Closed
Grains Innovation Fund
Supports innovation and market growth for Ontario grain projects
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 75,000
Timeline
- Closing date : October 31, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Grains Innovation Fund provides up to $75,000 in reimbursement funding for projects that foster growth and innovation in Ontario’s grain end-use markets. Eligible activities include the development and commercialization of new or reformulated products and processes that expand demand for Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, wheat, and their residues.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 75,000 $
- Up to 60% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : October 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and commercialization of new or reformulated products using Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, or wheat crops or their residues.
- Creation of novel value-added processing opportunities for Ontario grains.
- Expansion of market demand for Ontario grains and grain residues by introducing products or processes that open new markets.
- Promotional initiatives that position Ontario grains and grain residues as the preferred choice in the marketplace.
- Implementation of innovative uses for Ontario grains within the food processing, bioeconomy, or animal feed sectors.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Companies involved in the development and commercialization of new or reformulated grain-based products or processes
- Organizations utilizing Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, or wheat crops or crop residues in their projects
- Food processing companies aiming to use large volumes of Ontario grains or oilseeds
- Businesses engaged in market development or value-added processing of Ontario grains
Eligible expenses
- Marketing activities related to product promotion (e.g., website design, social media).
- Promotional materials (e.g., brochures, handouts, pop-up signs, banners).
- Advertising fees (e.g., ad space in print, online, or TV media).
- Consultant fees associated with marketing or advertising initiatives.
- Product development costs (e.g., formulation testing, focus groups, sensory panels).
- Capital expenditures limited to the purchase of new equipment solely for project use.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Direct impact on Grain Farmers of Ontario farmer-members, including increased returns and greater use of Ontario grains.
- Potential to influence demand and positively promote Ontario grains and oilseeds.
- Extent of grain utilization, with preference for projects using over 40 metric tonnes per year or demonstrating strong growth potential in utilization.
- Degree of innovation, reflecting creative expansion of opportunities for Ontario grains through new products, processes, or marketing approaches.
How to apply
- Step 1: Discuss Project with Grain Farmers of Ontario
- Contact the Market Development & Sustainability team at marketdev@gfo.ca to discuss your project idea and ensure it aligns with program criteria.
- Step 2: Download and Complete the Application Form
- Obtain the official Application Form required for submission.
- Fill in all necessary project details, ensuring the application is complete and accurate.
- Step 3: Submit Completed Application
- Email the filled Application Form to rzimic@gfo.ca.
- Submit your application by the deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. EST.
- Receive email confirmation upon successful receipt of your application.
- Step 4: Application Review and Evaluation
- The Market Development and Sustainability team will review the application for eligibility and completeness.
- Be prepared to provide any additional information requested during this stage.
- Step 5: Committee Assessment and Funding Decision
- The Market Development and Sustainability Committee meets in December to review applications and determine funding allocation.
- Await notification regarding the approval status of your application, typically issued in January 2026.
- Step 6: Formal Contracting
- If selected, enter into a formal contract with Grain Farmers of Ontario outlining terms, reporting requirements, and reimbursement schedule.
Additional information
- Applications will be reviewed and selected by the Market Development and Sustainability Committee, which consists of farmer delegates.
- Applicants will be notified of their approval status and must enter into a formal contract outlining reporting requirements and reimbursement schedules.
- Receipt of application submission will be confirmed by email after sending.
- All applications and project information will be kept in strict confidence by the Grain Farmers of Ontario, with only aggregated program data shared to organization representatives.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Grains Innovation Fund Program
What is the Grains Innovation Fund?
The Grains Innovation Fund provides up to $75,000 in reimbursement funding for projects that foster growth and innovation in Ontario’s grain end-use markets. Eligible activities include the development and commercialization of new or reformulated products and processes that expand demand for Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, wheat, and their residues.
How much funding can be received?
Grains Innovation Fund Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $75,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Grains Innovation Fund program?
To be eligible for the Grains Innovation Fund program, you must:
Project must utilize a minimum of 40 metric tonnes per year of Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, or wheat crops or crop residues (pilot projects using less may be considered if scalability is demonstrated).
Project must meet at least one objective: open new markets, expand use, promote, support novel products, or increase value of Ontario grains/crop residues.
What expenses are eligible under Grains Innovation Fund?
Development and commercialization of new or reformulated products using Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, or wheat crops or their residues.
Creation of novel value-added processing opportunities for Ontario grains.
Expansion of market demand for Ontario grains and grain residues by introducing products or processes that open new markets.
Promotional initiatives that position Ontario grains and grain residues as the preferred choice in the marketplace.
Implementation of innovative uses for Ontario grains within the food processing, bioeconomy, or animal feed sectors.
Who can I contact for more information about the Grains Innovation Fund?
You can contact Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) by email at marketdev@gfo.ca.
Where is the Grains Innovation Fund available?
The Grains Innovation Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Grains Innovation Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Grains Innovation Fund is a Grant and Funding