Canada and Ontario investing $4.77 million in agri-food research

Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $4.77 million in 48 research and innovation projects and supporting 20 companies through the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI). This funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) will protect Ontario by helping farmers and agribusinesses grow their businesses by adopting new technologies and advancing commercialization to remain competitive in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.

OAFRI provides funding for 5 research, innovation and commercialization streams. Examples of research projects funded include:

• Piloting new growing strategies to boost grape quality, yields and food safety for Ontario-grown table grapes.
• Using natural compounds from probiotics to reduce harmful bacteria like Salmonella developing in raw poultry.
• Enhancing a robotic platform to apply key crop nutrients more precisely in fields.
• Developing a non-invasive tool using imaging and Artificial Intelligence to detect mastitis early in dairy cattle, improving milk quality and animal welfare.

In addition, 20 new companies have joined the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub, helping Ontario-based agri-food and agri-tech companies grow and bring their innovations to market through business and investment strategies.

These investments build on the Grow Ontario Strategy to strengthen the agri-food sector by increasing agri-food innovation and adoption through close collaboration with agri-businesses, research organizations, and industry partners.

The Sustainable CAP is a 5-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.