Northern Development approves largest grant in history of fund

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) has approved a million dollars in grant funding for two Peace region agricultural projects, including the largest single approval in the history of one of its funds.

According to a press release from NDIT and BC Hydro’s Peace Agriculture Compensation Fund (PACF), $770,000 for the North Pine Farmers Institute and $230,000 for Optimum Grains have been approved.

The cash will be put towards the institute’s ‘Terminal Bin Storage Expansion’ project, which the press release says will see a new grain bin installed, increasing “delivery period reliability” for local producers and increasing the amount departing via rail car from Fort St. John.

Institute president Wade Cusack thanked NDIT for approving its grant application, saying funding from the organization has been “instrumental” in its work over the years.

“The bin expansion is essential in maintaining rail head access for agriculture producers, ensuring grains, oil seeds and pulses can get to markets around the world,” Cusack said.

That project is expected to create 12 jobs in the Peace region during the project and one full-time position after it’s completed.

Meanwhile, Optimum Grains will use its funding to expand and upgrade its Buick Creek-based fertilizer facility. 

The press release says it will streamline the production of fertilizer for farmers in the Buick Creek, Prespatou and Montney areas.

Jared Loewen, the owner of Optimum Grains, said he and his team are grateful for the support of NDIT.

“By investing in northern B.C.,” Loewen said, “we’re helping build a resilient rural farming community and supporting long-term, sustainable farming for the region.”

The PACF is a fund established by BC Hydro to support agriculture in the Peace region by supplying producers with grants. Northern Development has been the fund’s administrator since 2018.

Past grant recipients include the Bear Mountain Grazing Association and a variety of local farmers and ranchers.

According to an announcement on social media, NDIT is also searching for a new member-at-large to join the fund’s board of directors.

Applications for the position will reportedly be accepted via the fund’s website until October 17th, 2025.