The University of Guelph has received a $1.2-million investment from the government of Ontario to advance eco-friendly innovations such as bioproducts and waste reduction and recycling technologies.
The funding comes from the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance. Among the goals is strengthening the economy and boosting innovation in the agri-food sector by creating agriculture-based products and identifying diverse market opportunities in Ontario and globally.
“As Canada’s food university, the University of Guelph is committed to research that powers the agri-food sector into the future, using our discoveries to fuel unique and sustainable innovations with agricultural roots,” said Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research). “With this OMAFRA support, University of Guelph researchers will enable Ontario’s businesses to create world-leading, renewable, agricultural-sourced products for Canadians and the world.”
Ernie Hardeman, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, added: “This research looks at new bioproducts, technologies, markets and policies to make the agri-food sector more sustainable and profitable. This will help create economic, environmental and energy opportunities for farmers, food processors, greenhouses and consumers while strengthening and diversifying our agri-food sector.”
Research projects include:
- Developing biodegradable and/or compostable straws;
- Using three-dimensional (3-D) printing to develop biomedical products such as prosthetics and automotive parts from agricultural residues and plastic waste;
- Creating renewable biochemical products from poultry waste;
- Identifying novel food uses for bean processing by-products;
- Investigating renewable energy technologies from greenhouse vegetable waste; and
- Assessing export barriers in the food processing industry.
A collaboration between U of G and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance funds University research in environmental sustainability, animal and plant health and production, and agri-food and bioproduct development.