Ontario Invests $1.4M to Boost Agriculture Growth in Northern Ontario’s Clay Belt Region

June 12, 2025 Samantha Deschamps 0 Comments 3 min read

Funding supports tile drainage and farm infrastructure in Timiskaming-Cochrane, strengthening local food supply and job creation

EARLTON, ON — The Ontario government is investing more than $1.4 million in five agriculture projects across the Clay Belt, a fertile agricultural zone in Northern Ontario, to strengthen the region’s economy, support local farms, and secure Ontario’s long-term food supply chain.

The funding is being delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and supports infrastructure expansion, innovation in farming operations, and enhanced land productivity through modern tile drainage systems.

“Northern Ontario’s Clay Belt is primed for agricultural growth,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “These investments will make our northern economy more resilient, self-reliant, and able to withstand whatever comes our way.”

Through @NOHFC, our government is investing $1.4M in 5 agriculture projects in Northern Ontario’s Clay Belt region.

We are creating agri-food jobs, supporting farm expansions & protecting the northern economy: https://t.co/pRa519TCaz pic.twitter.com/vn6Ahrsa2J

— NOHFC (@NOHFC) June 12, 2025

Investing in Agri-Food Infrastructure and Innovation

The largest investment — $1 million — is going to the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA) to lead a tile drainage initiative that will improve 1,872 acres of farmland across the Timiskaming-Cochrane area. Eighteen farm operations will benefit from this infrastructure upgrade, which is known to improve yields, extend growing seasons, and reduce equipment wear.

Additional funded projects include:

$200,000 for Greenrock Acres, a sheep farm in Thornloe, for barn construction, feed storage, and equipment upgrades.
$93,303 for KR Farms in New Liskeard to build a hay/equipment shed, install fencing, and purchase new tools.
$71,300 for Adrian and Margaret Struyk of Cochrane to install a robotic feeding system in their dairy barn, improving feed efficiency and herd health.
$51,611 for Willgrove Farms in Thornloe, a third-generation dairy farm, to build new feed storage that supports herd growth and job creation.

“Today’s investment marks a critical step in unlocking the Clay Belt’s fertile lands and vast opportunities,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “We are boosting food production, creating jobs and building a more self-reliant northern economy.”

Building a Stronger Northern Economy

The Clay Belt region, historically underutilized, is gaining new momentum as a food-producing zone. According to NOFIA, agriculture in Northern Ontario now supports over 8,900 jobs and contributes $555 million in GDP. Farm cash receipts have increased from $182 million in 2006 to $246 million in 2024.

The NOHFC has played a key role in this growth, with more than $905 million invested in 7,309 projects since 2018. These projects have leveraged $2.8 billion in private and public investment and created or sustained over 11,210 jobs in Northern Ontario.

“This support has enabled our small family farm to expand,” said Rachel Pinet of KR Farms. “We’re proud to offer fresh, local products to our community and grow toward our goals.”

“The robotic feeding system lets us track feed costs and efficiency, improving health and milk production,” said Adrian and Margaret Struyk, who operate a dairy and cash crop farm in Cochrane.