Investing in a Resilient Agri-Food Sector: Province Powering U of G Research With $ 5.4M

A strong local food supply that protects farmers, the supply chain and the environment: that’s the goal of $5.4 million in provincial funding for 28 University of Guelph research projects.  

The investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration among the University of Guelph, the Government of Ontario and its agency Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO). 

“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,” says Dr. Rene Van Acker, president and vice-chancellor.

“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.” 

The Alliance leverages U of G leadership as the top-ranked university in Canada for both veterinary science and food and agricultural science to deliver solutions for Ontario. Its unique agri-food research and innovation ecosystem enables U of G experts to develop new technology, collaborate with industry and train a highly qualified future workforce.  

“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.”