Grains Innovation Fund

The 2026 Grains Innovation Fund is now open

The Grains Innovation Fund seeks to support projects that will drive growth and innovation in Ontario’s grain end-use markets. This initiative provides project-based funding for the development and commercialization of new and reformulated products and processes that expand market demand and opportunities for Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybeans, and wheat – including their associated crop residues. See the official announcement here.

Eligible projects can be reimbursed for 60% of project costs to a maximum of $75,000 per project.

Please see the program overview below for more detailed information on the fund criteria, innovation themes, eligible costs, and evaluation criteria. To get started, interested companies are encouraged to contact Grain Farmers of Ontario at marketdev@gfo.ca to discuss project ideas and whether the project fits the program criteria.

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. (Pilot Projects using smaller volumes may be considered if scalability and utilization growth can be demonstrated).
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. Please refer to the program overview for evaluation criteria and a list of eligible and ineligible project costs.

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 $75,000. Grain Farmers of Ontario reserves the right to determine the amount of funding allocated to a project based on its ability to contribute to the growth and innovation of the Ontario grain industry.

The Grains Innovation Fund provides project-based funding on a reimbursement basis. Grain Farmers of Ontario requires verifiable documentation substantiating the expenditures to release funds.

How to apply

Before applying, those interested in the fund are encouraged to contact the Market Development & Sustainability team at marketdev@gfo.ca to discuss project fit and suitability
To apply for the fund, interested parties are required to download and complete the Application Form.
Applications must be submitted to rzimic@gfo.ca before 4pm EST on Friday, November 6, 2026 to be considered. Receipt of submission will be confirmed via e-mail.
All applicants will be contacted and notified of their approval status in January 2027.