FedNor funding helps producers innovate, grow and put more local food in the hands of consumers
Dryden – Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced Government of Canada investments totalling $177,416 for two projects that will help Northwestern Ontario’s agri-food sector innovate, grow and create more jobs. As part of this investment, AgriTech North (ATN) is receiving $100,000 to purchase and install an Enersion solar tri-generation system. This military-tested system will generate clean energy for heating and cooling at the company’s 4,400 square foot indoor farm in Dryden.
As a trailblazer in the industry, AgriTech North will be the first to adopt a solar tri-generation system for use in an agriculture setting. Once fully operational, this cutting-edge technology will help the company reduce energy consumption, lower production costs and expand its year-round harvest to include fruit bearing plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
The remaining $77,416 will allow Local Food and Farm Co-Operative (LFFC), in partnership with the Northern Ontario Food Distribution Network (NFDN), to support farmers and establish a food hub in Dryden. This strategic initiative includes hiring three value-chain coordinators to help producers overcome challenges related to marketing, storage, packaging, logistics and distribution. The project also includes developing an action plan focused on business planning, corporate governance, market research and branding. Once complete, the action plan will help to identify gaps and solutions to improve Northern Ontario’s food distribution system. By improving distribution efficiency, this project will also assist in addressing food insecurity in rural and Indigenous communities throughout the region.
Strong economies need strong and growing local businesses. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to be investing in projects like these, which support innovation and technology adoption, while helping agriculture businesses start-up, scale-up and create high-quality jobs in Northern Ontario.
“Canadians need a safe and reliable food supply, especially in more rural or remote communities. These important investments will help farmers in Northern Ontario to scale-up, improve productivity, and increase yields. It’s also a concrete support for good-paying jobs and middle-class families in the region.” – Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor