Funding will help improve farmland, increase crop production and create new jobs

The Ontario government supports the growth of the agricultural sector, in the Rainy River district, by investing more than $1.3 million in two tile drainage projects. These investments will help to promote longer growing seasons, improve crop yields and create new jobs.

“Our government is proud to invest in tile drainage projects [which] lead to larger, healthier crops, local food sources and good jobs for the people of northwestern Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “We recognize the importance and significance of our farmers and crop growers to northwestern Ontario’s economic prosperity, resilience and diversification.”

The Province, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is investing:

1 million, for Rainy River Future Development Corporation, to administer a two-year tile drainage program. The program would support tile drainage installation on approximately 1,900 acres of land and benefit a consortium of 10 farmers in the district. The project will create two part-time jobs, $374,833 for Tait Bros Contracting Ltd., to purchase equipment to expand its tile drainage installation business into northwestern Ontario and establish an office in Rainy River. The project will create three full-time jobs. Installing tile drainage is a common land improvement practice among farmers in Ontario. It effectively creates more consistent crop yields and promotes a longer growing season, while reducing plant stress, soil erosion, and wear and tear on equipment. “The Government of Ontario is committed to supporting farming operations in northern Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Good drainage is key to a healthy farm, and this investment is part of our effort to improve the economic opportunities of the agri-food sector right across Ontario.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across northern Ontario, by providing financial assistance to big and small projects that stimulate recovery, growth, job creation, and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $369 million in 3,551 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging over $1.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 5,300 jobs.

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