In the news: FedNor provides funding for test kitchen for local agri product development

Attempts to share corners of kitchen facilities were unsuccessful, so Bloom turned to renovating her own commercial kitchen space with the help of the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) SNAPP program.

Purchasing equipment, raising capital, developing products and ensuring compliance with health regulations were slow and sometimes tedious, she said.

Product development, testing and receiving approvals were another hurdle and even finding bottles, having them shipped to Sault Ste. Marie and finding cost-effective labels were also difficult, Park said.

Those hurdles took about a year before the product was ready for shelves, she said.

“Our first obstacle was finding kitchen space and that’s why I get so excited about hearing about projects like this,” she said.

Sault MP Terry Sheehan announced Thursday that the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) would provide $450,000 to support the agri-food innovation sector in the Algoma District and North America.

“Not only was this work important and very much needed, but we’ve seen success after success. I’m extremely pleased to see this type of activity happen in the agri-food industry across Algoma and Northern Ontario,” Sheehan said.

The funding will allow RAIN to collaborate with agri-food partners across Algoma to provide training, mentoring and market development support, including trade show opportunities outside the region.

It will also be used to develop a shared commercial test kitchen at Harvest Algoma to support other organizations developing similar food distribution and commercial kitchen infrastructure.

The project is also designed to support innovation and improvements in packaging, processing and waste reduction, including use of up-cycled, cost-effective and sustainable products.

Sheehan said the project will create about 37 jobs, and maintain a further 44 jobs, among other things.

“The market and the people in agriculture areas are very conscious about what they purchase. They like to purchase local, because it tastes good, it’s good quality, it supports local jobs and it’s good for the environment,” he said.

Park said an incubator test kitchen would have simplified her start-up process and likely cut down on a lot of time to get her own commercial kitchen up and running.

She said she was thankful that RAIN’s SNAP and Innovation Accelerator Program were available for assistance but believes that by advancing this project, the journey will be for other entrepreneurs wanting to start their own agri-food products.

David Thompson, director of RAIN, said Park’s story is not unique and there are many other similar stories from entrepreneurs.

That’s what he wants to ensure a training-mentorship program will be created to join new entrepreneurs with more experienced ones to help guide them through the process and offer support.

News Release: FedNor support will help continue development of the critical agri-food sector while strengthening the food supply chains for Canadians

October 12, 2023 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Labour and Seniors, today announced a FedNor investment of $450,000 in the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. The funds will help address the priorities of the Algoma district agri-food sector and promote food processing business development across Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Specifically, the project will help agri-food entrepreneurs in the region by providing training, mentoring, and market development support, including trade show opportunities outside the region. It will also help support a shared commercial test kitchen in Sault Ste. Marie and support other organizations developing similar food distribution and commercial kitchen infrastructure across Northern Ontario. The project will support innovation and improvements in packaging, processing, and waste reduction, including use of up-cycled, cost-effective, and sustainable products, as well as strengthening and expanding supply chain networks. Finally, it will support the development of new growing technologies including vertical farming and hydroponics prototypes.

As part of the project, RAIN will collaborate with agri-food partners in Algoma district and across Northern Ontario, including the Huron North Community Economic Alliance, Algoma University, the Algoma Community Pasture, Agri Tech North, Collège Boréal, Smart Indoor Farming, and other farming and municipal organizations. In addition to strengthening food supply chains in the region, anticipated benefits of this investment include the creation of 37 jobs and maintenance of 44 more, the expansion and modernization of 20 businesses, the creation of two strategic alliances and maintenance of six more, and the acquisition of a research greenhouse.

Quotes

“Today’s investment in the Rural Agri-Innovation Network will help small businesses grow, expand their production, reach new markets, and create good paying jobs in our region. By tapping into Northern Ontario’s entrepreneurial spirit, we are supporting communities across the region. We are also supporting a stronger agri-food sector, which ultimately means cheaper food prices for all families. We have a plan to grow and economy that works for everyone in Northern Ontario.”

• The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for FedNor

“Supporting farmers, producers, and agri-food entrepreneurs is important because they support communities, and we are proud to help create new opportunities for growth in Algoma district and Northern Ontario. This investment will help strengthen and expand agri-food sector supply chains, and it will also help ensure that good food is produced locally and remains available here at home.”

• Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors

“FedNor’s support helps make it possible for us to work with farmers and communities to build a resilient agri-food sector in Algoma region and Northern Ontario. These funds will help us develop and foster local expertise and to maximize agri-food opportunities and help our region meet its great potential.”

• David Thompson, Director of the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)

Quick facts

• The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) works alongside collaborators to undertake research and build relationships and capacity for producers of agricultural goods in the Algoma district and across Northern Ontario. RAIN’s team is composed of specialists with backgrounds in business, agriculture, environmental science, and marketing.

• The RAIN project is a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to economic development and diversification in the science and technology sectors in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma region.

• The investment announced today is provided through FedNor’s Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes.