HOPA Update – Did You Know…HOPA Ports is fueling Ontario’s agri‑food future?

Loading Ontario-grown Corn at the Port of Hamilton, HOPA Ports

When we think of HOPA Ports, Hamilton and Oshawa, steel might come to mind first. But did you know that about 31% of the cargo passing through our ports is agri-food products? This includes sugar, grains, and fertilizers, which support farmers, food makers, and our local communities.

SUGAR

Hamilton will soon be home to Canada’s largest sugar refinery, thanks to a $135 million investment by SucroCan at Pier 15. This refinery, opening in 2025, will have the capacity to refine 1 million tonnes of sugar annually. Beyond baking and beverages, our refined sugar is used in candy, sauces, preserves, and processed goods. It’s one of the reasons Ontario’s food and beverage sector is worth over $60 billion and employs about 120,000 people.

GRAIN

In 2024, agriculture represented 40% of HOPA’s commercial value. From Ontario corn, wheat and soybeans, to wheat for milling that is shipped from the Prairies, our ports strengthen the food system by reaching both local and international markets.

Ontario Corn, Wheat and Soybeans: Local farmers produce high-quality corn, wheat and soybeans that are shipped internationally for food processing, cooking oils, biofuels and animal feed.