Grains Innovation Fund

Eligibility

To qualify for a partnership with Grain Farmers of Ontario and receive monetary support under this fund a company must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Grain Farmers of Ontario that the project utilizes a minimum of 40 metric tonnes per year of Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans and wheat crops or crop residues. The project must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Open new markets for Ontario grains or grain residues,
• Expand the use of, and demand for, Ontario grains or grain residues,
• Promote Ontario grains or grain residues as the best choice,
• Support development of novel value-added products derived from Ontario grains,
• And/or increase the value (premiums) of Ontario grains or grain residues.

Each project is subject to review by Grain Farmers of Ontario and will consider all merits of the project and benefits accruing to Ontario grain farmers, in addition to the amount of grain utilized. The 40 metric tonnes per year requirement may be waived for pilot projects that initially use smaller volumes but must demonstrate the potential to significantly increase future utilization of Ontario grains or grain residue.

Amount of Funding

If a project proposal is deemed eligible, the amount of funding to be provided shall not exceed 60% of the eligible costs associated with the project, up to a limit of $50,000. Grain Farmers of Ontario reserves the right to determine the amount of funding to be allocated to a project based on its ability to contribute to the growth and innovation of the Ontario grain industry.

How to apply

• Once the call for applications has closed, the Market Development and Sustainability team will review applications to ensure all information is complete. The team may contact you for additional or supporting information.
• The Market Development and Sustainability Committee, which consists of farmer delegates, meets in December every year to review applications, select successful applicants, and determine how much funding each project will receive. Note: successful applicants may receive up to the full amount of funding requested.
• Once approvals have been made, the Market Development and Sustainability team will reach out to applicants, advise on the approval status of the project, and will work with the applicant to create a contract.
• The fund operates on a reimbursement basis. Grain Farmers of Ontario requires verifiable documentation substantiating the expenditures to release funds.

Watch our webinar recording for more information

Note: This webinar was created in 2022. Funding values have changed.