Great Lakes Grain, Hiram Walker & Sons Limited and the Ontario Soil Network have launched the Regenerative Grains Program, a collaboration designed to support Ontario corn growers in adopting regenerative practices and biodiversity preservation.

Food and beverage companies rely on agricultural products for the sustainability of their business. In the face of increased uncertainty, companies are increasingly focused on securing ingredients in their current supply sheds for years to come — by investing in practices that have been shown to improve farm resilience.

“We’re not farmers — our industry and our business is really built on grain. Without the farmers, we don’t have a product. That’s why collaboration is absolutely key. It’s about building those sustainable blocks for the future — in a way that encourages people to keep working together, with respect.”

— Camilla Guiguer, Director Sustainability & Responsibility North America, Hiram Walker & Sons Limited

A farmer-centric approach

Program partners emphasized that meaningful progress depends on practical approaches shaped by on-farm realities.

“As much as we can research practices and outcomes, it’s farmers that have to do it — and therefore farmers need to be there from the beginning.”

— Tori Waugh, Executive Director, Ontario Soil Network

“As the farmer in this part of the collaboration, I think the recognition — and some of the financial recognition — comes at a bit of a cost. The industry’s commitment to help with that makes it more feasible for other farmers to do a better job taking care of their soils.”

— Laurent “Woody” van Arkel, Ontario Farmer

A broader set of outcomes

“We want a holistic approach. Improving soil health, improving the water retention and water balance of fields, and looking at biodiversity,” said Andrea Fogliato of Pernod Ricard.

Great Lakes Grain’s role

Great Lakes Grain will lead implementation, supported by the Ontario Soil Network.

“Everyone’s bringing a different perspective, and we don’t know all of the answers just yet. It’s going to take different people coming together — farmers, industry, academia — to find a path forward, and ultimately find a solution that’s sustainable in the long term for our growers.”

— Matthew van Sintern-Dick, General Manager, Great Lakes Grain

Program overview

The program’s goal is to support farmers as they adopt regenerative practices while strengthening long-term supply chain resilience.

Participation includes access to premiums up to $35/acre, alongside learning opportunities and support.

Practice areas include a mix of on-farm approaches such as:

• Cover cropping
• Reduced tillage / no-till
• 4R-aligned nutrient practices
• Biodiversity installations

How to learn more

Farmers: Talk to your Great Lakes Grain representative to learn more about eligibility and enrollment.

Or contact Melyse Renwick (Great Lakes Grain): MelyseRenwick@greatlakesgrain.com | (519) 365-1763

Industry / partners: Connect with the Ontario Soil Network to learn more about how these programs are being delivered with a farmer-centric ethos.