Grain Farmers of Ontario launches 2026 Grains Innovation Fund intake

Grain Farmers of Ontario opens applications for the 2026 Grains Innovation Fund.

The Fund seeks projects utilizing a minimum of 40 metric tonnes annually of Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, wheat, or associated crop residues and satisfying at least one of the following criteria:

• open new markets for Ontario grains or grain residues;
• expand the use and demand for Ontario grains or grain residues;
• promote Ontario grains or grain residues as the best choice;
• support the development of novel, value-added products derived from Ontario grains or residues, and/or;
• increase the value (premiums) of Ontario grains or grain residues.

Grain Farmers of Ontario has identified specific project themes that are a priority for investment, though all project proposals meeting the fund criteria will be considered. Themes include:

• food processing projects that have the potential to utilize large volumes of commodity grains and oilseeds for novel uses;
• projects focused on next-generation bio-economy grains-based solutions such as renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and bio-based materials like compostable plastics;
• projects for the feed industry that maximize the potential for Ontario grains in animals’ diets;
• projects that will support new, scalable, value-added processing opportunities in Ontario; or
• projects with significant market reach promoting Ontario grain- and oilseed-based products in a positive manner.

The maximum grant per project has been increased to $75,000—up from $50,000 in previous years—and covering up to 60 per cent of eligible project costs.

The application deadline is October 31, 2025, at 4 p.m.

Applicants must complete the project application form and email it to rzimic@gfo.ca. Eligible projects will be reviewed by Grain Farmers of Ontario’s market development and sustainability committee, composed of farmer-member delegates and staff.

Successful applicants will be contacted in January 2026. Awarded funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis once eligible expenses have been documented.

For more information on the program and application details, visit gfo.ca/grains-innovation-fund or email marketdev@gfo.ca.