Ont. Government Investing Up To $7M In Agri-food Sector

TORONTO — The Ontario government announced that it is investing up to $7 million through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance to support 34 made-in-Ontario research projects that are trying to turn research into market-ready solutions for farmers and food processors. This initiative supports the government’s plan to try and protect Ontario’s agri-food workers and businesses by investing in solutions that give farmers access to the tools and technologies needed to support modern farming and help the sector remain resilient and competitive.

“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.”

The 2026 projects include:

• • Partnering with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation to develop restoration programs for the growth and survival of young Lake Whitefish.
  • Creating advanced satellite and machine-learning methods to map flooded areas and potential wetlands on farmland.
  • Developing prevention and management strategies to stop the loss of pepper crops
  • Trying to help farmers lower costs by developing nutrition and production management strategies for pig farming.

“ARIO is pleased to provide the research infrastructure where research projects can move from concept to real-world application. 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,” said Nevin McDougall, Chair of the board for ARIO.

“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. 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,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.