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$400,000 TO Northern Onatario's Agricultural Sector

FedNor Media Release ******************** The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced $433,336 in support of economic development initiatives within Northern Ontario's agricultural sector.
Kate Adams


FedNor Media Release

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The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced $433,336 in support of economic development initiatives within Northern Ontario's agricultural sector. NECO Community Futures Development Corporation will receive close to $300,000 to showcase the Northern Ontario agriculture and agri-food industry and its products at the 2006 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto . The remaining funds ($133,600) will go to the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario (IAPO) to market its financial products and agricultural expertise to Northern Ontario First Nation communities.

"Canada's New Government is committed to supporting the families who grow our food and the entrepreneurs and organizations who bring their products on the market," said Minister Clement. "Through these partnerships, we are fostering growth and business opportunities in the agriculture industry across the North."

FedNor funding, in partnership with Aboriginal Business Canada, will assist IAPO over the next three years to market services that will improve Aboriginal farmers' access to the latest agricultural information and advice, in addition to the traditional loans and investments that are currently available.

FedNor’s support to NECO, along with various partners, will help showcase Northern agri-food producers at the 5000 sq. ft. Northern Ontario Agriculture Pavilion, one of the more popular exhibits at The Royal over the last five years. The 2006 agricultural showcase runs from November 3rd to the 13th.

"Our exposure during The Royal has produced many success stories highlighting what the Northern agricultural sector has to offer, including introducing firms and producers within the region to each other," said Sandra Smyth, Chair of NECO. "Last year alone, there was $250,000 in immediate sales and nearly the same amount in follow up business."

By supporting economic development initiatives in agriculture through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario .

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