Government of Canada invests $177,416 to boost agriculture production and establish a food hub in Dryden
News release
FedNor funding helps producers innovate, grow and put more local food in the hands of consumers
November 1, 2023 – Dryden, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced Government of Canada investments totalling $177,416 for two projects that will help Northwestern Ontario’s agri-food sector innovate, grow and create more jobs.
As part of this investment, AgriTech North (ATN) is receiving $100,000 to purchase and install an Enersion solar tri-generation system. This military-tested system will generate clean energy for heating and cooling at the company’s 4,400 square foot indoor farm in Dryden. As a trailblazer in the industry, AgriTech North will be the first to adopt a solar tri-generation system for use in an agriculture setting. Once fully operational, this cutting-edge technology will help the company reduce energy consumption, lower production costs and expand its year-round harvest to include fruit bearing plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
The remaining $77,416 will allow Local Food and Farm Co-Operative (LFFC), in partnership with the Northern Ontario Food Distribution Network (NFDN), to support farmers and establish a food hub in Dryden. This strategic initiative includes hiring three value-chain coordinators to help producers overcome challenges related to marketing, storage, packaging, logistics and distribution. The project also includes developing an action plan focused on business planning, corporate governance, market research and branding. Once complete, the action plan will help to identify gaps and solutions to improve Northern Ontario’s food distribution system. By improving distribution efficiency, this project will also assist in addressing food insecurity in rural and Indigenous communities throughout the region.
Strong economies need strong and growing local businesses. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to be investing in projects like these, which support innovation and technology adoption, while helping agriculture businesses start-up, scale-up and create high-quality jobs in Northern Ontario.
Quotes
“Canadians need a safe and reliable food supply, especially in more rural or remote communities. These important investments will help farmers in Northern Ontario to scale-up, improve productivity, and increase yields. It’s also a concrete support for good-paying jobs and middle-class families in the region.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“We are thrilled FedNor recognizes the economic and environmental benefits this project will deliver in the form of jobs, clean growth, and food security for Northwestern Ontario and beyond. AgriTech North is first out of the gate to test a solar tri-generation system in a year-round agriculture setting and we’re excited about its potential. This state-of-the-art technology combined with our thermal management invention will lead to lower energy and production costs for indoor farms and allows us to expand our harvest to include fruit bearing plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, year-round.”
- Benjamin Feagin Jr., CEO, AgriTech North
“This FedNor funding will allow us to provide expert-level support to farmers and producers and establish a food hub here in Dryden. This project will help us eliminate barriers so this key sector can thrive, increase output, and improve food distribution systems to better service the region, including in rural and Indigenous communities.”
- Jennifer Ross, Manager, Local Food and Farm Co-Operative
Quick facts
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The funds announced today are provided through two of FedNor’s programs that support economic diversification and growth in Northern Ontario. These programs include:
- The Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), through which FedNor invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
- The now-closed Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), which provided funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth
Associated links
Contacts
Zeus Eden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
zeus.eden@sac-isc.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations
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