Breaking New Ground: Port of Johnstown and V6 Agronomy Launch Long-Term Partnership

A shovel went into the ground today at the Port of Johnstown (PoJ), in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal (TWPEC), marking the start of a transformative project by V6 Agronomy to build a new fertilizer terminal that will improve access to phosphate across Canada, and strengthen both local and national agri-food supply chains.

“This is a true ground-breaking moment, 15 years in the making,” said Ryan Brophy, CEO of V6 Agronomy. “We’re doing more than building a structure. We’re building a supply chain solution.”

V6 Agronomy, headquartered in Eastern Ontario, specializes in innovative crop nutrient technologies that help farmers increase yields and improve return on investment. For years, Canadian farmers have faced challenges accessing phosphate, an essential nutrient as critical as potash. Canada relies heavily on imported product from the U.S., routed through New Orleans and the Mississippi River rail corridor.

The new terminal at the Port of Johnstown marks the first phase of a larger vision to strengthen Canada’s agricultural supply chain. It begins with a 120 x 210-foot facility designed to efficiently receive, store, and distribute phosphate. With the capacity to discharge vessels carrying up to 18,000 tonnes, the terminal will serve both local farms by truck and Saskatchewan markets by rail.

“This project will increase product quality, reduce logistics costs, and improve sustainability by minimizing touchpoints,” said Brophy. “It’s a priority benchmark for how we do things differently, and it’s happening here in TWPEC.”

Brophy described the Port as a “jewel” for the region, highlighting its wharf, grain handling infrastructure, and access to both marine and rail transport. “We’re taking full advantage of what’s already here to deliver more for Canadian agriculture,” he said.

Mayor Tory Deschamps welcomed attendees and recognized Deputy Mayor Stephen Dillabough for his long-standing commitment to advancing the project. “Edwardsburgh Cardinal is open for business. The Port of Johnstown is open for business,” said Deschamps.

The benefits of the project extend beyond phosphate. In collaboration with CN Rail, V6 Agronomy is advancing a circular logistics model to reduce empty rail and vessel returns. By matching outbound phosphate shipments with return loads of high-value Canadian products, such as prairie pulses (lentils, chickpeas, dry peas), local grains, potash, and sulphur, the company is building a more efficient and sustainable system. Many of these products are in high demand in Middle East and North African markets, yet they are currently shipped almost exclusively from the Port of Vancouver. By leveraging the Port of Johnstown, V6 aims to create a competitive alternative that improves export access from Eastern Canada. Plans to stockpile sulphur at the Port are already underway, and a dedicated railcar fleet is in development.

Michael Barrett, MP for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, called the initiative a “visionary step” for rural Canada. “This is an all-hands-on-deck success, built on leadership, local collaboration, and smart investment,” said Barrett, who previously served on the Port Management Board as a TWPEC councillor.

Representing MPP Steve Clark, Michael Jiggins applauded the Township’s leadership and regional teamwork. “TWPEC could give the upper levels of government a lesson on how to get these things done,” he said. “This is what happens when a community opens the door and says yes to business.”

Additional attendees and supporters included Mayor Jeff Shaver of the Township of Augusta, Katie Nolan and Darren Gallacher from Community Futures Grenville, Bonnie Cougler of the South Grenville Chamber of Commerce, representatives from CREWS Rail, and Leslie Drynan, General Manager of the Port of Johnstown, along with her team.

Drynan and her staff were recognized for their work in supporting up to 1,600 farms that already rely on the Port annually, and for their continued efforts in business development. As Brophy summed up, “This is us walking the talk, right here in TWPEC.”

This investment will deliver lasting benefits to farmers, businesses, and communities across our region, and set a new standard for agricultural infrastructure in Canada.