Government of Canada invests $786,294 to support over 40 Northern Ontario businesses at the world’s largest indoor agri-food exhibition
News release
FedNor funding to help establish the 22nd annual Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto
October 24, 2025 – Sturgeon Falls, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development), and Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $786,294 in Economic Partners Sudbury East/West Nipissing to ensure the continued operation of the Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion at the 2025 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (the Royal). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
The Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion has been a key feature at the Royal for over 20 years. Due to its ongoing success, the Pavilion has expanded to 7,100 square feet, providing space for more businesses to participate. This year, 47 Northern Ontario agri-food companies will be featured, showcasing their products and services to increase sales, reach new markets, and gain national and international exposure.
In the last 10 years alone, the FedNor-funded pavilion has helped over 400 businesses from across Northern Ontario generate a total of more than $9.8 million in on-site and projected sales. As a result of their participation in the Pavilion, exhibitors also experienced many additional benefits including new customers, growth opportunities, and new partnerships and collaborations.
The 2025 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs from November 7-16, 2025, at the Enercare Centre in downtown Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario. This annual event attracts close to 300,000 people wanting to become more familiar with the agricultural fabric of Ontario and Canada.
Quotes
“Canadians need access to high-quality agricultural products and opportunities to support local growers. Through FedNor, the federal government is helping nearly 50 Northern Ontario producers promote their products, support local food systems, and share their innovation with communities across Canada and beyond.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
“We have an incredible agricultural sector in Northern Ontario, and this flagship initiative allows our farmers and producers to showcase their products and services to a global audience of nearly 300,000 people. This investment of $786,294 will enable the world to discover and purchase many of the great agri-food treasures our region has to offer.”
- Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development), and Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming
“The Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion has become a must-see attraction of the Royal Winter Fair and our partnership with FedNor will ensure that proud tradition continues. This exciting project represents a fantastic opportunity for agri-food businesses and organizations across the region to tap into new markets, boost sales, and gain well-deserved exposure. With close to 50 exhibitors joining the pavilion for 2025, we are excited about the incredible array of products and services these Northern Ontario businesses will unveil to the world.”
- Claude Bouffard, Chair of the Board of Directors, Economic Partners Sudbury East/West Nipissing Inc
Quick facts
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The FedNor-supported Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion has been a part of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair since 2001, which has since more than tripled in size and number of exhibitors.
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The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair began in 1922, making the indoor agricultural and equestrian event over 100 years old.
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The funds announced today are provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, 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.
Associated links
Contacts
Jennifer Kozelj
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@labour-travail.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations