Ont. Government Investing In Agri-food Research

TORONTO — The Ontario government announced that it is investing over $5.4 million in 28 agri-food projects through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance to try and help businesses commercialize new research for Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, these research projects will work on ideas to help businesses grow, create jobs and boost their competitive advantage in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.

“Our government’s strategic investments into transformative agri-food research is empowering Ontario’s producers and innovators to turn world-class research into real-world solutions,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “By helping our farmers and agribusinesses innovate, create local jobs and compete globally, we’re ensuring that our rural communities continue to thrive in the face of economic uncertainty.”

The $5.4 million investment is part of the government’s $40 million investment over six years into the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance’s tier 1 research programming.

The Ontario government says that its Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance supports agri-food research and innovation projects through a competitive process on an annual basis.

“As a national leader in agri-food innovation, the University of Guelph is committed to addressing the sector’s most pressing and evolving challenges with real-world solutions. This strategic investment in research through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance will not only drive growth for local producers and agri-businesses, but also build the sector’s resilience by equipping the next generation of innovators with the tools and expertise to lead the future of food,” said Dr. Rene Van Acker, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Guelph.