More than 30 University of Guelph research projects are moving forward, applying the University’s leading expertise to power agri-food innovation and grow economic resilience in Ontario.
The $6.92-million public investment is delivered through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph that drives innovation and independence in Ontario’s agri-food sector.
The Alliance’s strong, integrated platform moves made-in-Ontario innovations from the lab to the farm while training future leaders. Its enduring success reflects a shared commitment to a competitive, profitable and resilient agri-food sector, and is upheld by sustained research excellence at U of G, Canada’s premier University for agriculture and forestry, and veterinary sciences.
Canada’s top-ranked university for agricultural, veterinary sciences
In worldwide educational rankings released by QS earlier this year, U of G rose to fourth place (from sixth) in veterinary sciences and to 14th (from 30th) in agriculture and forestry – underscoring sustained excellence in research and student employability.
“As Canada’s top-ranked university for agriculture and forestry, and veterinary sciences, the University of Guelph is proud to work alongside the province and industry partners to help strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector through research, innovation and talent development,” says Dr. Rene Van Acker, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Guelph. “Through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, the University continues to leverage provincial investment with additional institutional support to return practical, sector-relevant solutions that support resilience, productivity and long-term growth across Ontario’s agri-food economy.”
The investment is aimed at strengthening protection and risk resilience, fostering productivity and growth, and advancing environmental stewardship as part of the government’s $47.5M investment over seven years.
“Today’s investment will help Ontario farmers remain leaders in food production, delivering safe and high-quality local food to our communities and to markets around the world,” said Trevor Jones, minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, we are ensuring farmers have access to the solutions and technologies to build a stronger, more competitive and resilient agri-food sector.”
Unique spaces enabling research
Many of the awarded projects will leverage a network of agri-food research centres, which are owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and managed by U of G through the Alliance.
“ARIO is pleased to provide the research infrastructure where research projects can move from concept to real-world application,” says Nevin McDougall, chair of the board for ARIO. “By supporting the facilities, partnerships and environment needed for innovation, we’re helping ensure Ontario’s agri-food sector remains resilient, competitive, and positioned for long-term growth.”
The Alliance is committed to working with the province’s agri-food sector to test new technologies, solve challenges and bring innovation to growers, processors and communities.
“Continued innovation and applied research are essential to ensuring Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable sector remains globally competitive while sustainably producing fresh, local food,” says Richard Lee, executive director of Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. “OGVG is pleased to support several projects funded through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance and deeply values the collaboration between the University of Guelph, government and industry in driving research that delivers practical solutions for growers and enhances the long-term resiliency of the sector.”
Projects supported by the Alliance this year include:
- Developing prevention strategies and finding the best disinfection methods for Ontario greenhouse pepper growers dealing with severe crop losses from an unknown wilt disorder while studying how different growing materials and waste buildup may affect the issue – Dr. Thomas Graham, School of Environmental Sciences, Ontario Agricultural College (OAC)
- Partnering with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation to develop restoration programs that study how food availability and temperature affect the growth and survival of young Lake Whitefish – Dr. Joey Bernhardt, Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science
- Creating advanced satellite and machine-learning methods to map flooding and potential wetlands on agricultural lands – Dr. Ben DeVries College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics
- Fostering economic growth by assessing the scope and nature of interprovincial trade barriers, estimating their economic cost to Ontario’s agri-food sector, and evaluating the extent to which interprovincial agreements can help reduce these barriers and boost agri-food exports to other provinces – Dr. Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor, Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, OAC
- Helping farmers lower costs by developing nutrition and production management strategies for pig farming – Dr. Terri O’Sullivan and Dr. Anne Deckert, Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
The full list of awarded projects is available on the Alliance website.
Applications for funding open in June
The Ontario Agri-food Innovation Alliance supports agri-food research and innovation projects through an annual, competitive process. This investment will help achieve the government’s Grow Ontario Strategy goals of increasing agri-food innovation and adoption by working closely with our industry partners, agribusinesses and research organizations.
Applications for Alliance Project Operating Funding (Tier 1) open in June.
The impact of Alliance projects reflects years of sustained effort by exceptional faculty, staff and students, and a shared commitment to research excellence, student experience and real-world impact.
“Now more than ever, it is critical that Ontario continues to leverage homegrown research to deliver real-world solutions that drive our agri-food sector,” says Nolan Quinn, minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that researchers from across the province, including at the University of Guelph, can continue making groundbreaking discoveries that keep Ontario on the cutting-edge of farming and agri-food innovation.”
The Alliance – reflecting collaboration among industry, academia and government – strengthens Ontario’s agri-food sector today while building preparedness and prosperity for the future.