Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State for Rural Development and Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, announced a Government of Canada investment of $786,294 in Economic Partners Sudbury East/West Nipissing to support the continued operation of the Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion at the 2025 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The announcement, made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, highlights the federal government’s commitment to promoting Northern Ontario’s agri-food sector and helping local producers access new markets.
The Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion has been a prominent feature at the Royal for over two decades. Following years of success, the pavilion has expanded to 7,100 square feet, enabling more businesses to showcase their products and services. In 2025, 47 Northern Ontario agri-food companies will participate, gaining valuable exposure to national and international buyers. Over the past decade, the pavilion—funded through FedNor—has helped more than 400 businesses generate over $9.8 million in sales while fostering growth, new partnerships, and business opportunities.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, held annually at the Enercare Centre in downtown Toronto, attracts nearly 300,000 visitors interested in agriculture and food innovation. Running from November 7 to 16, 2025, the event provides an important platform for farmers and producers to display their goods to a large audience.
The investment is funded through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that strengthen community economic development, create jobs, and enhance self-reliance in Northern Ontario. The pavilion’s ongoing success underscores the region’s agricultural potential and the federal government’s role in promoting sustainable, locally driven economic growth.
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