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representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers.
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Ontario Grain Farmer Magazine

Strategic Partnership To Boost Food And Agri-Tech Innovation For Grain Industry

GUELPH, ON (April 14, 2021) – Grain Farmers of Ontario and Bioenterprise, Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, have joined forces to help grow strong agriculture and food businesses in Ontario. The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to advance Ontario innovation in the agri-food industry.

The two organizations will collaborate on information-sharing, finding innovative solutions to critical grain industry problems, and impact assessment and viability analysis of new innovations, technologies and solutions.

“The farming sector is looking for new technologies that will help sustainably boost production and increase efficiencies and this new partnership will harness the strength and expertise of our national business and innovation network for grain industry growth,” says Bioenterprise CEO Dave Smardon. “Ontario’s grain farmers are already strong supporters of research and innovation and we look forward to providing the sector with mentorship, promotion opportunities, and strategic guidance to help grow innovative grain businesses.”

The partnership will also provide support to food and agri-tech start-ups and early-stage companies in the province, through programs including Grain Farmers of Ontario‘s Grains Innovation Fund. It will also connect grain researchers to innovative companies and projects using Ontario grain, creating new opportunities for the grain industry from farm to table.

“Innovation lies at the heart of true growth, and agriculture is a growing area for new technology, new ideas and new practices. By working with Bioenterprise, we will help shape the future of the agri-food industry and open new doors for Ontario grains,” says Paul Hoekstra, Vice President of Strategic Development at Grain Farmers of Ontario. “There are many opportunities for us to work with companies that are members of Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine and showcase the quality, safety and ubiquitous nature of our grain, as well as connect our research community with engaging projects and agri-food businesses.”

Contact:

Bioenterprise, Dave Smardon, CEO – 519-821-2960; dave.smardon@bioenterprise.ca

Grain Farmers of Ontario, Victoria Berry, Manager, Communications – 226 820-6641; vberry@gfo.ca

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Grain Farmers of Ontario
Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover over 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $4.1 billion in production value, result in over $27 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 90,000 jobs in the province.