Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) was formed in 2010 through the merger of the province’s corn, soybean, and wheat producer organizations. As the largest agricultural commodity association in Ontario, GFO now represents about 28,000 farmers who grow barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat. The crops of these producers span over 6 million acres of Ontario farmland and contribute significantly to the provincial economy, now generating an estimated $27 billion in economic output and supporting more than 90,000 jobs in Ontario. Since its inception, the organization has served as a unified voice for grain growers, dedicated to improving their livelihoods and ensuring a sustainable future for the grain sector.
The organization’s mission centers on driving the growth and sustainability of the grain industry while supporting its farmer-members’ success. Grain Farmers of Ontario focuses on protecting and expanding markets for Ontario grain, fostering farm-level sustainability, and advocating on behalf of farmers to governments and the public. Through initiatives in market development, research, and outreach, GFO works to ensure that Ontario’s grain producers remain profitable, innovative, and respected stewards of the land.
A key role of Grain Farmers of Ontario is acting as a steward of financial support programs for the grain sector. The organization administers funding initiatives that stimulate innovation, research, and value-added processing in the grain supply chain. These programs encourage the development of new products and technologies that utilize Ontario grains, opening new markets and expanding demand for the province’s corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, and oats. GFO also directs support toward efforts that improve environmental sustainability on farms and help producers adopt best practices, thereby strengthening the overall competitiveness and resilience of Ontario grain farms. By managing these support funds and projects, Grain Farmers of Ontario helps its members innovate and thrive in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
