Ontario Supporting North America’s Largest Outdoor Celebration of Agriculture and Rural Living

2019 International Plowing Match coming to Northern Ontario in September

September 6, 2019

Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines

VERNER – Today, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, on behalf of Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, announced $240,000 for two projects that support the 2019 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM).

Investments include:

• $225,000 for infrastructure, including road surface treatments and installation of culverts, fencing, signage, bleachers and stages.
• $15,000 for marketing, such as branding, as well as for shuttle bus services to ensure the event is accessible to residents in the West Nipissing region and neighbouring communities.

“It’s great to see the International Plowing Match back in the North this year,” said Minister Fedeli. “This event helps make our province open for business and open for jobs by generating interest and investment in Northern Ontario’s thriving agri-food sector.”

“Supporting rural Ontario’s agricultural sector is an important part of our province’s economic growth opportunity,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “We’re proud of this investment into the International Plowing Match and all the positive spin off it creates for the economy and our agriculture community.”

“Hosting IPM 2019 is an historic opportunity for West Nipissing and I’m thrilled that the Province of Ontario is investing to help us capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Neil Fox, Chairman of the Board, 2019 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo. “By stepping up to the plate and investing in tourism infrastructure as well as effective marketing and promotions, the provincial government is helping to ensure the social and economic benefits of IPM 2019 will last for many years to come.”

It is estimated the IPM will attract approximately 80,000 people over the five days, representing an estimated $25 million in economic benefits for the host community and surrounding areas. The event will showcase the region’s agricultural sector and raise the overall profile of the agri-food industry in the North.

Quick Facts

• The IPM is a collaborative effort between the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and a local board of directors from the host community.
• Taking place annually since 1913, the IPM has become the largest outdoor agricultural and rural living festival in North America. The five-day event is held in a different part of Ontario each year and showcases the host region. This year, the IPM is returning to Northern Ontario and taking place from September 17-21 in Verner, an agricultural community in the Municipality of West Nipissing.
• More than 800 acres of farmers’ fields will be transformed into a tented city, competition plowing fields and a serviced RV park. Activities will include live entertainment, an interactive education area and more than 500 exhibitors and food vendors.
• The festival will offer a daily return shuttle service, supported by easy to identify bus stops and buses wrapped in 2019 IPM branding.
• While the IPM will primarily showcase agriculture, it will also feature exhibits and displays that focus on Indigenous and Francophone culture, the forestry and mining industries, and tourism in Northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation has invested more than $120 million in 708 projects, creating or retaining 2,368 jobs.

Media Contacts
Sydney Stonier
Minister’s Office
Sydney.Stonier@ontario.ca
416-314-5199

Media Desk
Communications Branch
mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca
416-314-6275

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