Applications open for Grain Farmers of Ontario’s 2027 Grains Innovation Fund
Guelph, Ont. July 21, 2026 – Grain Farmers of Ontario is now accepting applications for the 2027 Grains Innovation Fund, which supports projects that create new market opportunities and increase demand for Ontario-grown grains and grain products.
The Grains Innovation Fund provides grants of up to $75,000 per project, covering up to 60 per cent of eligible project costs. Through the Grains Innovation Fund, a total of $250,000 will be invested into projects for the 2027 year.
Ontario-grown barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat are used to produce a wide range of food and beverage, feed and bioproduct ingredients, including flour, starches, sweeteners, oils, proteins, pet kibble and beverage alcohol. Companies that rely on these ingredients may be eligible for funding if their projects create new demand for Ontario-grown grains or grain products.
Recent funding has been awarded to a diverse range of projects, including scaling-up novel soy protein processing, expanding commercial bakery equipment, and piloting low-carbon building materials made from grain crop residues. Together, these initiatives are expanding markets, increasing demand for Ontario grain and grain by-products, and showcasing the versatility of Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat.
“Ontario’s grain sector continues to drive innovation across a wide range of industries,” says Paul Hoekstra, vice president of strategic development, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “Over the years, the Grains Innovation Fund has supported projects that have identified new and innovative uses for Ontario grains. We’re excited to continue building on that momentum by investing in projects that strengthen value-added processing, create new market opportunities, and build long-term demand for our farmers’ crops.”
The Grains Innovation Fund is seeking projects that will use a minimum of 40 metric tonnes annually of Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, wheat, or associated crop residues and that satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
- Open new markets for Ontario grains or grain residues
- Expand the use and demand for Ontario grains or grain residues
- Promote Ontario grains or grain residues as the best choice
- Support the development of novel, value-added products derived from Ontario grains or residues, and/or
- Increase the value (premiums) of Ontario grains or grain residues.
Grain Farmers of Ontario has identified specific project themes that are a priority for investment, though all project proposals that meet the fund criteria will be considered:
- Food processing projects that have the potential to utilize large volumes of commodity grains and oilseeds for novel uses
- Projects focused on next-generation bio-economy grains-based solutions such as renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and bio-based materials like compostable plastics
- Projects for the feed industry that maximize the potential for Ontario grains in animals’ diets
- Projects that will support new, scalable, value-added processing opportunities in Ontario, or
- Projects with significant market reach that promote Ontario grain- and oilseed-based products in a positive manner that can demonstrably increase customer awareness and demand.
Key dates:
- Application deadline: November 6, 2026, at 4 p.m. EST
- Applicants notified: January 2027
- Project funding announcement: March 2027
How to apply:
To get started, interested companies are encouraged to contact Grain Farmers of Ontario at marketdev@gfo.ca to discuss whether the project fits the program criteria.
To apply, companies must fill out the Application Form and submit via email to Rachel Zimic, Market Engagement Specialist, at rzimic@gfo.ca. Eligible projects will be reviewed by Grain Farmers of Ontario’s market development and sustainability committee, composed of farmer-member delegates and directors.
Successful applicants will be contacted in January 2027. Awarded funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis once eligible expenses have been documented.
For more information on the program and application details, please visit gfo.ca/grains-innovation-fund.
Contact:
Susan Blundell, Director, Communications – 226 820-6641; sblundell@gfo.ca