News
Investments in northern Ontario farming projects

April 17, 2015, Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Ontario is investing in farming projects that will improve agricultural land, diversify crops and expand business in the northern part of the province.

The investments will contribute to the northern agricultural economy and provide local farms with essential infrastructure. The province’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is investing more than $6 million in eight projects, including seven tile drainage installation projects:

• The Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Association is receiving $1 million to clear 298 acres and install tile drainage on 1,667 acres.
• The Rainy River Future Development Corporation is receiving $1 million to install tile drainage on 2,114 acres of land.
• The West Nipissing East Sudbury Agricultural Support Projects Inc. is receiving $1 million to install tile drainage and clear land on 1,717 acres.
• The West Nipissing East Sudbury Agricultural Support Projects Inc. also received $328,248 to clear land and install tile drainage on 626 acres of land.
• The Northeast Community Network is receiving $714,600 to install tile drainage and undertake land clearing on 1,191 acres.
• The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre is receiving $976,200 to install tile drainage and undertake land clearing on 1,500 acres on Manitoulin Island.
• William Riach Farm in Gore Bay received $29,080 to install tile drainage on 60 acres of land.

“Clearing land to increase acreage and installing drainage to extend the growing season are two ways that our farm partners can improve their sustainability. This provincial investment will help provide additional farmland to support crop production in our region,” said Bruce Forest, president of the Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Association.