The Ontario government says 14 projects in northern Ontario are getting more than $6.1 million from the province to expand operations and remain competitive. The more than $6.1million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. will be used to support 14 agriculture projects in the north improving productivity, extend growing seasons and increase crop yields, the province said in a news release Thursday. “Northern Ontario’s agri-food sector plays a vital role in supporting rural communities and strengthening the region’s economy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “These investments will help northern farmers grow their operations, create new opportunities and further unlock the economic potential of northern Ontario’s agriculture industry.” The province said several of the projects will use the funding for tile drainage. “This support is helping producers make long-term improvements to their land, expand their operations and see greater potential in farming here in the north,” Devon Prevost of the Northeast Community Network. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has approved more than $1.1 billion for 9,000-plus projects in northern Ontario.
