Government of Canada investing $450,000 to support agri-food innovation and growth in Algoma district and across Northern Ontario

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario , October 13, 2023 (press release) –

The Government of Canada is investing $450,000 in the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) to support agri-food innovation and growth in the Algoma district and across Northern Ontario . The funds will be used to provide training, mentoring, and market development support to agri-food entrepreneurs in the region, as well as to establish a shared commercial test kitchen in Sault Ste. Marie . The project aims to promote food processing business development, strengthen supply chain networks, and support the development of new growing technologies. The investment is expected to create 37 jobs, maintain 44 jobs, expand and modernize 20 businesses, and establish two strategic alliances.

Key Highlights:

* The investment is being made by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

* The funds will be provided to the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre.

* The investment will help address the priorities of the Algoma district agri-food sector and promote food processing business development across Northern Ontario .

Original Press Release:

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario , Oct. 12 -- Government of Canada issued the following news release:

- FedNor support will help continue development of the critical agri-food sector while strengthening the food supply chains for Canadians

Terry Sheehan , Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Labour and Seniors, today announced a FedNor investment of $450,000 in the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. The funds will help address the priorities of the Algoma district agri-food sector and promote food processing business development across Northern Ontario . The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Specifically, the project will help agri-food entrepreneurs in the region by providing training, mentoring, and market development support, including trade show opportunities outside the region. It will also help support a shared commercial test kitchen in Sault Ste. Marie and support other organizations developing similar food distribution and commercial kitchen infrastructure across Northern Ontario . The project will support innovation and improvements in packaging, processing, and waste reduction, including use of up-cycled, cost-effective, and sustainable products, as well as strengthening and expanding supply chain networks. Finally, it will support the development of new growing technologies including vertical farming and hydroponics prototypes.

As part of the project, RAIN will collaborate with agri-food partners in Algoma district and across Northern Ontario , including the Huron North Community Economic Alliance , Algoma University , the Algoma Community Pasture, Agri Tech North, Collège Boréal, Smart Indoor Farming, and other farming and municipal organizations. In addition to strengthening food supply chains in the region, anticipated benefits of this investment include the creation of 37 jobs and maintenance of 44 more, the expansion and modernization of 20 businesses, the creation of two strategic alliances and maintenance of six more, and the acquisition of a research greenhouse.

Quotes

“Today’s investment in the Rural Agri-Innovation Network will help small businesses grow, expand their production, reach new markets, and create good paying jobs in our region. By tapping into Northern Ontario’s entrepreneurial spirit, we are supporting communities across the region. We are also supporting a stronger agri-food sector, which ultimately means cheaper food prices for all families. We have a plan to grow and economy that works for everyone in Northern Ontario.”

-  The Honourable Patty Hajdu , Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for FedNor

“Supporting farmers, producers, and agri-food entrepreneurs is important because they support communities, and we are proud to help create new opportunities for growth in Algoma district and Northern Ontario . This investment will help strengthen and expand agri-food sector supply chains, and it will also help ensure that good food is produced locally and remains available here at home.”

- Terry Sheehan , Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors

“FedNor’s support helps make it possible for us to work with farmers and communities to build a resilient agri-food sector in Algoma region and Northern Ontario . These funds will help us develop and foster local expertise and to maximize agri-food opportunities and help our region meet its great potential.”

- David Thompson , Director of the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)

Quick facts

* The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) works alongside collaborators to undertake research and build relationships and capacity for producers of agricultural goods in the Algoma district and across Northern Ontario . RAIN’s team is composed of specialists with backgrounds in business, agriculture, environmental science, and marketing.

- The RAIN project is a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to economic development and diversification in the science and technology sectors in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma region.

* The investment announced today is provided through FedNor’s Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes.

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Source: Government of Canada

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