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2017 Grains Innovation Fund Open for Proposals

GUELPH, ON (September 13, 2016) – Grain Farmers of Ontario has released its call for proposals for the 2017 Grains Innovation Fund.

The Grains Innovation Fund, an initiative of Market Development, supports development of new and reformulated products and processes that have the potential to expand the markets for Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat crops or crop residues.

“Eligible projects will have a direct impact on Ontario grain farmers through an increase in returns to farmers or an increase in the use of Ontario grains,” says Nicole Mackellar, Manager, Market Development. “Projects that demonstrate a return on investment for the grain industry as a whole – like increased infrastructure or a new bioproducts processing facility — are also eligible.”

Projects which satisfy the eligibility criteria established for this fund can receive up to 60% of the cost of the project, up to a maximum of $50,000.

“We look forward to seeing what new innovations and ideas are out there,” says Mackellar. “It’s always exciting to see increased investment in the Ontario grain industry and we hope to support these new growth opportunities for our crops.”

Interested companies must submit the application form found at www.gfo.ca/marketdevelopment. Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Monday, October 24. Prior to submission, companies are encouraged to contact Grain Farmers of Ontario to discuss their project idea and receive feedback – contact Mangla Shandal at mshandal@gfo.ca or 519-767-6537 ext. 201.

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 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.

Contact:

Nicole Mackellar, Manager, Market Development – 519-767-4124; nmackellar@gfo.ca

Mangla Shandal, Market Development Coordinator 519-767-6537 ext. 201; mshandal@gfo.ca