Transforming Agriculture: $7.2M allocated to strengthen Ontario’s Agri-Food industry

Up to $7.2 million in government funds have been allocated to the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance to strengthen the agriculture and food sector.

In a recent press release, the Ontario government announced the boost in funds to 44 Ontario-led research and innovation projects.

The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance is a collaboration between the University of Guelph and Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), with funded projects that focus on protecting animal and plant health, strengthening production systems, increasing environmental sustainability, and bolstering productivity and growth.

“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,” Rene Van Acker, vice president of Research and Innovation at the University of Guelph, said in the release.

Some of the projects include optimizing fertilizer management for winter wheat and vegetable crops in Ontario to reduce reliance of fertilizers; developing plastic alternatives to reduce single0use plastic products; developing a harvesting robot for tomato greenhouses; and much more.

“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.” Lorne Hepworth, chair of ARIO, said in the release.

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

“We have a number of ambitious goals for the industry, and research and innovation will play a key role in helping us achieve them,” Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, said in the release.

“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.”