Sudbury – Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety, today announced a FedNor investment of $386,174 to support Collège Boréal and the important work they are doing to strengthen the agri-food industry in Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Collège Boréal aims to promote sustainable growth in the agri-food industry by expanding food security in the region. FedNor funds will help the college support new and emerging agri-food businesses and organizations by providing access to technical and specialized services and research and development, which will help generate business expansion and enhance productivity.
This investment is anticipated to maintain two skilled positions while also enabling Collège Boréal to hire an agriculture technician. Additional anticipated benefits include the creation and modernization of two agri-food business incubators; the maintenance of 14 strategic alliances including colleges, agri-food associations, one provincial ministry, and an economic development organization.
“When we invest in local food production, we invest in the strength of our Northern communities. This support for Collège Boréal means more opportunities for small-scale producers and farmers to innovate and grow, while ensuring Northern Ontario families have access to fresh, locally-grown food. By working directly with communities to understand their unique needs, we’re building a more resilient and sustainable food system that works for everyone. Together with partners like Collège Boréal, we’re creating good jobs and strengthening food security across our region. – Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor