Grain Farmers of Ontario launches 2026 Grains Innovation Fund intake

Guelph, Ont.  – Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Grains Innovation Fund.

“This year marks another exciting chapter for the Grains Innovation Fund,” says Paul Hoekstra, Vice President of Strategic Development, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “We’re proud to support projects that find new and creative ways to use Ontario grains, whether it’s to develop new products, enter new markets, or inspire more consumers to support Ontario grain products.”

The Grains Innovation Fund is seeking projects that will utilize a minimum of 40 metric tonnes annually of Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, wheat, or associated crop residues and which satisfy 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.

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.

Grain Farmers of Ontario 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 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 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 covering up to 60 per cent of eligible project costs.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: October 31, 2025, at 4 p.m.
• 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 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, please visit gfo.ca/grains-innovation-fund or contact marketdev@gfo.ca for more information.