Great Lakes Grain partners with Hiram Walker and Ontario Soil Network to offer premiums and strengthen farm sustainability
Ontario, Canada — April 15, 2026 — Great Lakes Grain is proud to announce the launch of its Regenerative Grains Program, developed in collaboration with Hiram Walker & Sons Limited (a Pernod Ricard Subsidiary) and the Ontario Soil Network.
This new initiative supports Ontario corn growers in adopting regenerative agriculture practices that prioritize soil health, environmental sustainability, and long-term farm resilience. It also strengthens the connection between growers and end users to follow the grain to the bottle.
“Our regenerative agriculture program with Hiram Walker & Sons Limited and Ontario Soil Network underscores the importance of thoughtful soil management and being true stewards of the land,” said Devin Homick, Grain Origination & Business Development Lead at Great Lakes Grain. “The farmers we work with are not just growing crops they’re leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.”
The Regenerative Grains Program focuses on practical, on-farm regenerative practices including multi-species of crop rotations, cover crops, nutrient management, and reduced tillage. It is open to Ontario corn growers delivering through Great Lakes Grain’s 28-location elevator network.
As consumer demand for transparency grows, end users such as Hiram Walker & Sons Limited are investing in a deeper understanding of how crops are produced. This initiative promotes following Ontario grain from farm to final product, bringing greater visibility to how corn is produced and ultimately used in products like J.P. Wiser’s Canadian whisky.
“End users are increasingly interested in understanding how crops are grown and the people behind them,” said Melyse Renwick, Sustainability Specialist at Great Lakes Grain. “Our boots-on-the-ground approach ensures farmers have a voice in that story; from farm to final product.”
In addition to supporting on-farm practices, the program incorporates data collection to measure outcomes such as biodiversity, watershed health, and greenhouse gas emissions. This strengthens sustainable grain supply and verifies the adoption of regenerative practices.
Participating growers will receive a per-acre premium on enrolled corn acres, recognizing their commitment to sustainable production and helping build long-term economic resilience. With added incentives, this program recognizes the value of sustainable farming to secure long-term market opportunities.
This collaboration between Great Lakes Grain, Hiram Walker & Sons Limited, and the Ontario Soil Network represents an important step in strengthening the connection between farmers and end users, while reinforcing the role of sustainable agriculture in Ontario’s evolving grain sector.
About Great Lakes Grain
Great Lakes Grain is one of the largest grain marketing and elevator operators in Ontario, serving farmers across Southwestern and Eastern Ontario. The partnership between AGRIS Co-operative Ltd., GROWMARK, Inc. (including Central Ontario FS, a division of GROWMARK, Inc.), and Coop Embrun combines local expertise with a strong, farmer-focused network. With over 20 million bushels of storage capacity and more than 50 million bushels of grain marketed annually, Great Lakes Grain operates 28 locations from Windsor to Ottawa and north to Georgian Bay. Committed to innovation, sustainability, and farmer success, Great Lakes Grain plays a vital role in advancing Ontario’s agricultural industry.
About Hiram Walker & Sons Limited
Established nearly 160 years ago, Hiram Walker & Sons Limited's tradition of blending quality ingredients, processes and highly skilled people continues at the Windsor, Ontario based production facility. Hiram Walker produces brands such as J.P. Wiser's®, Lot No. 40®, Pike Creek®, Gooderham & Worts® and Royal Reserve® Canadian whiskies, Polar Ice® vodka, Malibu® and Lamb's® rums, and McGuinness® liqueurs for Canadian distribution by its affiliate, Corby Spirit and Wine Limited. Hiram Walker is a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard S.A., a leading global spirits and wine company with premium international brands such as Absolut® vodka, Chivas Regal®, The Glenlivet® and Ballantine's® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Kahlúa® liqueur, and Mumm® champagne. For further information, please visit our website.
About Ontario Soil Network
The Ontario Soil Network (OSN) is a farmer-led network working to support the adoption of soil health practices across Ontario. Through peer-to-peer learning, on-farm research, and collaboration with industry partners, OSN helps farmers test, adapt, and implement practices that improve soil function, resilience, and long-term farm performance. By connecting farmers with practical knowledge and each other, OSN is building a stronger, more resilient agricultural system grounded in real-world experience.
Regenerative Grains Program Contacts
Melyse Renwick
Sustainability Specialist
melyserenwick@greatlakesgrain.com
Aiden Davy
Sustainability Specialist
aidendavy@greatlakesgrain.com