14 THE GRAINS INNOVATION FUND The Grain Farmers of Ontario Grains Innovation Fund is an annual grant program designed to support organizations utilizing or marketing Ontario grains to expand market opportunities with new and innovative projects. The fund, established in 2010, has supported more than 50 industry projects spanning product development, processing pilots, marketing campaigns and product showcasing activities. The fund allocates up to $150,000 annually across all projects. Projects that meet the eligibility criteria can receive up to 60 per cent of the cost of their project up to a maximum of $50,000. A successful applicant will utilize at least 40 metric tonnes of barley, corn, oats, soybeans, or wheat per year. The most successful project applications are creative, innovative, achievable, and impactful, with a clearly articulated delivery plan. The project must also meet at least one of the following criteria: • Open new markets for Ontario grains or grain residues • Expand the use of, and demand for, Ontario grains or grain residues • Promote Ontario grains or grain residues as the best choice • Support development of novel value-added products derived from Ontario grains • Increase the value (premiums) of Ontario grains or grain residues APPLY NOW! Applications are accepted throughout October. They are then reviewed and selected by the Grain Farmers of Ontario Market Development committee, and successful project applicants are notified in December and January. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a formal agreement with Grain Farmers of Ontario. Grain Farmers of Ontario invites prospective applicants to engage with the Market Development team at an early stage to discuss their ideas and seek feedback. The application form can be accessed at www.gfo.ca/market-development/ and submitted to Dana Dickerson, manager of market development, via email at ddickerson@gfo.ca. l • Identifying and commercializing new product applications for by-products from Ontario soybean-based tofu production • Marketing an Ontario wheat-based pelletized straw for animal bedding and garden use • Promoting the influence of Ontario grains in Ontario corn-fed beef in the Japanese market • Transforming bran by-products from milling wheat into a new sustainable cat litter product • Developing and marketing an innovative new soybean-based tempeh product • Promoting upcycled grain food products through an upcycled food festival • Testing new processes for creating cleaner label food products made with Ontario grains continued from page 13 PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY THE GRAINS INNOVATION FUND
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