More money is being put on the table to help strengthen the economies of rural communities across Ontario.
The provincial government has launched the second intake of the Rural Ontario Development Plan, with $20-million available to rural municipalities, businesses, Indigenous groups, and not-for-profit organizations through four funding streams: Economic Diversification, Competitiveness and Capacity Building; Workforce Development, Attraction and Retention; Community Infrastructure Enhancements; and Business Development.
“Our government is committed to protecting our farmers, helping to make their businesses more resilient and competitive, even as they face pressures outside of their control,” said Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones in a news release. “Increasing annual funding for the Risk Management Program to $250 million by 2027 will support farmers in responding to market challenges, while also driving progress on our ambitious Grow Ontario Strategy goals.”
The announcement was made at the 2026 annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference, with applications opening immediately.