RAIN receives $1.8M for Agri-tech programming

January 20, 2023

RAIN's receives funding for another 3 years to continue programming

VIP's and dignitaries pose for a photo at a funding announcement from FedNor

January 19, 2023


Sault Ste. Marie ON- Terry Sheehan, Sault Ste. Marie MP and Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced new FedNor spending of $3,172,320 to support five projects including $1.8M to the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre's RAIN (Rural Agri-Innovation Network) division.


“What this funding essentially does is that it gives us grants that we disburse to our small businesses, which are farmers and food processors here in Algoma and across northern Ontario. Each of these projects that we review and look at to approve for funding are either creating a new innovative product on a farm or it’s a food processor that’s doing that work. They have a lot of needs, capital needs, equipment needs to get something started so this allows us to really grow the sector.” - David Thompson, Director of RAIN


Click on image above to watch coverage of the event from CTV News

Read full article by sootoday


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Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program Launches

October 11, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has launched the Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program to empower agri-food entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario to develop new food products. By offering workshops, training sessions, networking events, and a mentorship program, NOVA aims to equip Northern entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed for long-term business growth and sustainability. Supported by $42,080 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, NOVA will address the critical need for professional development in the agri-food sector. It focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, improving safety and risk management practices, and providing strategies to expand market presence at home and abroad. “The agri-food promise and potential of Northern Ontario is immense, and our government will continue to work with Northern partners like the SSMIC to help seize it,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “NOVA will help unlock more of the huge untapped entrepreneurial energy and ambition of Northern agri-food entrepreneurs to build strong local businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy.” Program goals include strengthened business capabilities, job creation, and increased economic activity, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector in Northern Ontario. By fostering public engagement with agriculture and local food, NOVA will also contribute to rural development and enhanced community well-being. "Through the NOVA Program, we are excited to provide agri-food entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive," said Peter Bruijns, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. "This initiative not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens our entire region's agricultural ecosystem." For more information visit: https://rainalgoma.ca/programs/the-northern-ontario-value-added-agriculture-nova-training-program/ SSMIC would also like to thank FedNor the Government of Canada, and the Sault Ste Marie Community Development Corporation for their support in this exciting program. 

Investing in Progress #IWD2024

March 8, 2024
Happy International Women's Day! 💜

In the news: Harvest Algoma relaunches with a new look

January 18, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie food security agency Harvest Algoma is starting the new year with an image makeover – but agency officials say their mission has not changed.
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