Ont. Government Investing $41M In Agricultural Research Infrastructure

ELORA — The Ontario government announced that it is investing over $41 million over the next four years to build and revitalize Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) infrastructure. As part of the government’s plan to try and grow the economy, this investment will try to boost innovation to give farmers access to solutions that help provide safe and healthy food for Ontarians while keeping Ontario’s agri-food sector competitive in the global market.

“Our government is taking action to protect Ontario’s agri-food sector, and we are proud to support farmers and business owners,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Through investments in research and innovation, we are ensuring farmers and business owners have the best solutions to remain competitive against tariffs and ensure families can continue to buy high-quality, Ontario-made food with pride.”

As part of this funding, Ontario is investing an additional $10.5 million in the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre at the Elora Research Station. The new facility will reportedly support Ontario’s 1,200 chicken and turkey producers and 432 egg farmers by boosting research on animal welfare, reproduction and meat quality and safety.

Other ARIO facilities reportedly receiving funding include:

• $15.5 million in funding for the new Ontario Feed Innovation Centre at the Elora Research Station to provide micro-scale nutritional research for swine, poultry, small ruminants and aquaculture.
• Repairs and upgrades to other properties across the network, including the Dairy Education Centre at the Ridgetown campus, to try and ensure the continuation of research and innovation to benefit farmers and agribusinesses across Ontario.

ARIO is an agency of the Government of Ontario and owns the province’s network of strategic agri-food research infrastructure. In a press release, the Ont. government stated that the agency’s focus on agri-food research and innovation in areas such as field crops, livestock, greenhouse, horticulture, aquaculture and soil health tries to translate research into practical solutions for farmers and agribusinesses.

“We are grateful to the Ontario government for its increased investment in the Ontario Poultry Research and Innovation Centre. This support will strengthen our ability to manage risk and prevent disease, while also opening new doors to enhance on-farm efficiencies, advance sustainable practices, and introduce cutting-edge technologies to benefit Ontario’s poultry sector,” said Murray Opsteen, Board Chair, Chicken Farmers of Ontario.