Government of Canada investing $194,055 to support the agricultural sector in Northern Ontario
News release
FedNor funds will help the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario enhance support for new farmers and farmers from equity deserving groups across Northern Ontario
May 16, 2024 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, today announced a FedNor investment of $194,055 in the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) to enhance support for new and young farmers, with specific programming to support Indigenous farmers and growers, by providing training, networking and business development opportunities. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Today’s announcement will help EFAO and Northern Ontario’s agricultural sector address demographic challenges by encouraging startup businesses, supporting expansion and productivity, and diversifying the sector. This investment will enable at least 24 new farm businesses in Northern Ontario through enhanced training supports, and provide training and networking to an additional 360 people.
Additional benefits include the collection of data on farm productivity metrics for ecological farmers, and supporting regional networking opportunities for Indigenous farmers, food growers, groups and collectives. The funding will also help EFAO provide human resources training and support for 30 farmers to help them hire their first staff and expand their personnel, in partnership with the National Farmers Union Ontario.
Strong economies need strong and growing local businesses. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to be investing in projects like this, which support innovation and technology adoption, while helping agriculture businesses scale up and create high-quality jobs in Northern Ontario.
Quotes
“The long-term success of Northern Ontario’s agricultural sector relies on its sustainability. Today’s investment will help EFAO meet the needs of new farmers and those from historically marginalized groups within the agricultural community. I am proud to see the Government of Canada supporting this project, which will ensure the growth and expansion of this important sector in our region.
- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“Today’s investment will support the agri-food business and create good stable jobs that will benefit local communities. Supporting the eco-friendly agri-food sector is crucial in ensuring the sustainability of our food system while promoting an agriculture sector that protects the biodiversity of our region. It is also part of our plan to grow an economy in Northern Ontario that creates fair opportunities for everyone, not just the few.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
"The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario is excited to be receiving FedNor’s support for this important project, which will help facilitate concrete beneficial outcomes for Indigenous food sovereignty and Indigenous-led agriculture. Thriving ecological farms are an essential part of fighting climate change, protecting biodiversity, and creating a sustainable supply chain for locally-grown produce, and today’s announcement will help us advance these goals in communities across Northern Ontario."
- Ali English, Executive Director, Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
Quick facts
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Today’s funding is provided by 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.
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Northern Ontario's agri-food sector is a high-potential sector, generating more than $200 million in revenue annually and supporting more than 4,000 jobs.
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Established in 1979 by farmers for farmers, EFAO is a membership organization that focuses on farmer-led education, research and community building. EFAO brings farmers together so they can learn from each other and improve the health of their soils, crops, livestock and the environment, to steward resilient ecological farms.
- EFAO envisions an Ontario where thriving ecological farms are the foundation of our food system, and where agriculture protects our resources, increases biodiversity, mitigates climate change, and cultivates resilient, diverse, equitable communities.
- EFAO is committed to advancing anti-racism, equity and belonging in agriculture through the organization's work. Building relationships with, listening to, learning from and supporting Black farmers, Indigenous farmers and land stewards, and other farmers of colour is key.
Associated links
Contacts
Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations