Strategic partnership to boost food and agri-tech innovation for grain industry

Posted: Apr 14, 2021

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Bioenterprise and Grain Farmers of Ontario sign MOU

Guelph ON, 14 April 2021: Grain Farmers of Ontario and Bioenterprise, Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, have joined forces to help grow strong agriculture and food businesses in Ontario. The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to advance Ontario innovation in the agri-food industry.

The two organizations will collaborate on information-sharing, finding innovative solutions to critical grain industry problems, and impact assessment and viability analysis of new innovations, technologies and solutions.

“The farming sector is looking for new technologies that will help sustainably boost production and increase efficiencies and this new partnership will harness the strength and expertise of our national business and innovation network for grain industry growth,” says Bioenterprise CEO Dave Smardon. “Ontario’s grain farmers are already strong supporters of research and innovation and we look forward to providing the sector with mentorship, promotion opportunities, and strategic guidance to help grow innovative grain businesses.”

The partnership will also provide support to food and agri-tech start-ups and early-stage companies in the province, through programs including Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Grains Innovation Fund. It will also connect grain researchers to innovative companies and projects using Ontario grain, creating new opportunities for the grain industry from farm to table.

“Innovation lies at the heart of true growth, and agriculture is a growing area for new technology, new ideas and new practices. By working with Bioenterprise, we will help shape the future of the agri-food industry and open new doors for Ontario grains,” says Paul Hoekstra, Vice President of Strategic Development at Grain Farmers of Ontario. “There are many opportunities for us to work with companies that are members of Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine and showcase the quality, safety and ubiquitous nature of our grain, as well as connect our research community with engaging projects and agri-food businesses.”

Bioenterprise is Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience and a national and international network of research institutions, academia, mentors and experts, government, and industry to help small and medium-sized businesses in the sector nationwide Connect, Innovate, and Grow. Through its experienced service partner network, Bioenterprise offers a wide range of expertise and support to its clients, and partnerships with other industries help open doors to new technologies and platforms to help food and agri-tech businesses innovate and grow. Visit www.bioenterprise.ca to learn more.

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province‘s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario‘s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover over six million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $4.1 billion in production value, result in over $18 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 75,000 jobs in the province. For more information, visit www.gfo.ca.

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For more information:
Dave Smardon, Bioenterprise, dave.smardon@bioenterprise.ca or 519-821-2960
Victoria Berry, Grain Farmers of Ontario, vberry@gfo.ca or 226-820-6641

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