Government of Canada invests $535,000 to modernize and expand Muskoka North Good Food Co-op

Oct 16, 2024

Huntsville, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced a Government of Canada investment of $535,000 to help Muskoka North Good Food Co-op purchase new equipment and expand to meet demand.

Provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, this targeted investment will allow the organization to acquire a second modular farm pod, purchase and install a walk-in cooler and freezer, and establish a micro-bakery. This strategic initiative is helping the co-op double in size, increase profitability, enhance efficiencies, and create five full-time jobs. Once complete, this priority project will help ensure local families have improved access to safe, reliable, fresh and nutritious foods.

Based in Huntsville, Muskoka North Good Food Co-op places community benefit alongside profitability and connects local farmers to a growing consumer base through a grocery retail market, café, and commercial production kitchen. As a community-owned grocery store & food hub, the co-op provides sustainable, ethical, and good food for the communities it serves.

Source : Canada.ca

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.