- 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.
Since its inception, the Grains Innovation Fund has supported a wide range of successful projects that add value to Ontario grains.
Past recipient projects include initiatives in plant-based food products, sustainable construction materials, brewing innovations, and novel ingredients made from upcycled grain by-products or crop residues.
These projects have helped open new markets, create demand for local grain and grain byproducts, and highlight the versatility of Ontario-grown barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat.
GFO has identified specific project themes that are a priority for investment, though all project proposals that meet the fund criteria will be considered:
- 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 grain-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 that promote Ontario grain- and oilseed-based products in a positive manner that can demonstrably increase customer awareness and demand.
What’s new this year?
The maximum grant per project has been increased to $75,000—up from $50,000 in previous years—and covers up to 60 percent of eligible project costs.
Application deadline: October 31, 2025, at 4 PM
Applicants notified: January 2026
Project funding announcement: March 2026
How to apply:
Applicants must complete the project application form and submit it via email to rzimic@gfo.ca.
Eligible projects will be reviewed by GFO’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 www.gfo.ca/grains-innovation-fund or contact marketdev@gfo.ca for more information.