Ontario Investing in Innovative Agri-Food Research

GUELPH, Canada – The Ontario government is investing $7.2 million in 44 Ontario-led research and innovation projects that are helping farmers and agribusinesses become more competitive, leading to a more robust agriculture and food sector. This investment is being made through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the province, the University of Guelph and Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO).

“We have a number of ambitious goals for the industry, and research and innovation will play a key role in helping us achieve them,” said Rob Flack, minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness. “Through this investment, we are helping to create an environment where farmers and agri-businesses can leverage the latest research advancements, products and innovations. This will strengthen their operations and position the entire agriculture and food sector for growth and economic success.”

The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance advances research and innovations that contribute to the success of the province’s agriculture and food industry. Funded projects focus on protecting animal and plant health, strengthening production systems, increasing environmental sustainability, and bolstering productivity and growth.

Project examples include:

• Creating a carbon capture system to store and reuse carbon dioxide in greenhouses, enhancing sustainability and reducing emissions.
• Optimizing fertilizer management for winter wheat and vegetable crops in Ontario to reduce reliance on fertilizers.
• Creating low-cost bio-graphene out of agricultural residues that can be used for electric batteries.
• Developing plastic alternatives to provide environmental solutions that reduce reliance on single-use plastic products.
• Developing a harvesting robot for tomato greenhouses.

“The University of Guelph brings unparalleled expertise to deliver solutions for Ontario’s agri-food sector,” said Rene Van Acker, vice president (Research and Innovation) at the University of Guelph. “With this investment, we will continue to train the next generation of agri-food leaders while supporting a safe and healthy food supply for Ontarians.”

“Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario is pleased to be a partner in the development of the high-impact research that comes from the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance,” says Lorne Hepworth, chair of ARIO. “It is innovative research like this that positions the agri-food industry to stay on the cutting edge of best production practices and implement new technologies and techniques that will increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food sector.”

This initiative supports the Grow Ontario Strategy goal of increasing agri-food innovation and adoption. Ontario-led agriculture and agri-food research helps create jobs, supports the production of safe, high-quality food, and contributes to a healthy environment and growing economy.

Quick facts

• Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance will launch their next applied research funding opportunity in the fall of 2024.
• The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance is a significant economic driver for the province. The 2023 Alliance Agreement builds on the success of the government’s previous agreement, which increased Ontario’s GDP by $1.4 billion and supported more than 1,300 jobs.
• Ontario’s agri-food industry contributed $48.8 billion in GDP to the provincial economy and supported more than 836,000 jobs.