As a university that is internationally known for our expertise in agricultural research and innovation, U of G has a lot to celebrate on Feb. 13 Canada Agriculture Day!  

Also known as Ag Day, this day is meant to engage in food and agriculture conversations, celebrate the essential contributions of agriculture and agricultural workers to Canada’s prosperity and well-being. 

Learn more about how U of G is contributing to cultivating leadership, innovation and research in agriculture that has impact in Canada and around the world. 

OAC students host Ag Day Fair

Stop by the Ag Day Fair to learn about different agriculture industries in Canada such as dairy, poultry, swine, beef and cash crop farming. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with students who are involved in many areas of agriculture and Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) clubs and voice your questions and inquiries about Canadian agriculture. There will also be popcorn and giveaways! 

Monday, Feb. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (University Centre Courtyard) 

Collaboration with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs grows Ontario solutions

For decades, U of G and the Government of Ontario have worked together to grow Ontario’s agri-food and rural sectors. This $95-million-a-year collaboration, now known as the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, enables the University to deliver Ontario agri-food solutions with global impact. As one of U of G’s most longstanding and significant research collaborations, the Alliance also supports Laboratory Services Division (Animal Health Laboratory and the Agriculture and Food Laboratory), manages Ontario’s agri-food research centres, and builds veterinary capacity for livestock and farm animals.  

The entire U of G community contributes to the success of this collaboration by creating the unique environment for research, learning and innovation that makes us a valuable partner for the province. 

As we recognize Canada’s Ag Day, we can celebrate our shared accomplishments that show what government and academia can accomplish by working together at Canada’s Food University. Read more in our annual report summary, Growing Ontario Solutions 2022-23, or read about Alliance impact in these recent stories:  

• Moving the needle: Evaluating the use of needle-free injection technology in piglets 
• Animal Health Laboratory develops swine virus tests to protect Ontario livestock 
• U of G project improves dairy cattle health, helps test new data portal 
• Rural strong: Retiring U of G researcher reflects on the value of long-term research making a difference in Ontario 

Food From Thought releases Agricultural Systems for a Healthy Planet 2022 – 23 Impact Report

In 2017, U of G received the largest single federal research grant in its history of $76.6 million, supporting the Food from Thought initiative. This award has empowered more than 100 research leaders who drive technological advancements, social innovation and sustainable food systems. 

Review the 2022 – 23 Impact Report to learn more about how the initiative has created impact through breeding livestock for climate resistance, transforming farming for a sustainable future, improving farm cybersecurity and more.  

OAC featured on agricultural and natural resources podcast with University of Florida

In a new science communication collaboration, students from the University of Florida will interview Ontario Agricultural College scientists and students to create a series of podcast episodes about sustainable agriculture and natural resources. This collaboration fortifies international partnerships and gives OAC students the opportunity to meet University of Florida students and promote the work happening at U of G. 

U of G’s technology leadership on display during premier visit

In January, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop visited U of G to learn how we are helping develop commercial solutions to challenges in sectors across Ontario’s economy through technology research and innovation. 

The pair toured the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) and had a chance to interact with GIGAS, the Guelph Intelligent Greenhouse Automation System. 

Sustainable agri-food pathways at heart of new U of G, UFV partnership

U of G’s Arrell Food Institute and the University of the Fraser Valley’s Food and Agriculture Institute have teamed up to advance new pathways for sustainable innovation within Canada’s $140-billion food and agriculture industry. 

Through the partnership, U of G will have access to a rich cross-section of agri-food expertise on the West Coast and shared resources that will propel scientific research to practical food system solutions across Canada. 

OAC Advances Work on Food Security

Food security is partly the focus of Canada Agriculture Day on Feb. 13 – and it’s a major part of diverse research programs at OAC.

OAC researchers and graduates are working to enhance food security in three key areas: Indigenous food sovereignty; food production in controlled environments, notably vertical farming; and food safety under climate change.

New Scholarships in OAC Support Talent Pipeline in Agri-Food Sector

A $2-million gift from U of G alumnus Andy Wilder (BSc Agr. ‘84) has created three new scholarships that will attract top Canadian and international students to OAC. One scholarship of $80,000 is the single largest scholarship offered at U of G and will be awarded to one student a year pursuing an undergraduate degree at OAC.