Fednor helping to strengthen northern equine & agri-food industries

FedNor Minister Tony Clement
News Release

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The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced Thursday a FedNor investment of $364,950 to help equine and agri-food representatives from across Northern Ontario ‘set up shop’ at the 88th annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (The Royal) in Toronto. The funds will support the NECO Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), based in North Bay, as they work with agricultural operators and businesses to establish a Northern Ontario Pavilion at The Royal Winter Fair.

“The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the NECO CFDC to support the economic growth of Northern Ontario’s agriculture and equine industries,” said Minister Clement. “The Northern Ontario Pavilion has become one of the most popular exhibits at the Royal Winter Fair, and offers Northern exhibitors unprecedented access to approximately 350,000 consumers, industry representatives and potential investors over a 10-day period.”

Over 40 agriculture organizations, agri-food producers and equine businesses will be represented at the Northern Ontario Pavilion during this year’s Fair, taking place from November 5th-14th in Toronto. In 2009, immediate and follow-up sales by Northern exhibitors were estimated at approximately $750,000.

“We are very proud of the important contributions our CFDC has made to this region and we look forward to the positive impact this funding will have on Northern Ontario’s equine and agriculture industries,” said Roman Brozowski, Board Chair, NECO CFDC. “FedNor’s investment makes it possible for dozens of small businesses and entrepreneurs who otherwise couldn’t afford to secure exhibit space at The Royal Winter Fair, to showcase their products and develop new sales partnerships at the largest agricultural fair in the country.”

By supporting community economic development and business growth through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://ic.gc.ca/FedNor.

To find out more about CFDCs in your area, visit: http://ic.gc.ca/cfdc-ontario.

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