TORONTO – Ontario is investing over $5.4 million in 28 agri-food projects through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance to help businesses commercialize new, cutting-edge research for Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry.
As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, these research projects will lead to new discoveries and innovations that can help businesses grow, create jobs and boost their competitive advantage in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.
“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 in a press release.
“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.”
The July 16 $5.4 million investment is part of government’s $40 million investment over six years into the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance’s tier 1 research programming.
Examples of projects supported by the Alliance this year include:
- using economic data to help farmers and businesses respond to market changes and explore new trade opportunities;
- developing a battery-powered, AI-driven robot to manage pests in soybean fields;
- creating healthier beehives using advanced technology to protect honeybee colonies from Varroa mites; and
- helping farmers lower costs by developing nutrition and production management strategies for pigs.
The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance supports agri-food research and innovation projects through a competitive process on an annual basis.
Today’s investment will help achieve the government’s Grow Ontario Strategy goals of increasing agri-food innovation and adoption by working closely with industry partners, agribusinesses and research organizations such as the University of Guelph.
“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.
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,” said University of Guelph president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Rene Van Acker in a press release.
“Ontario’s universities are producing groundbreaking agricultural research that is not only driving our province’s economy, but also protecting Ontario’s food supply system for decades to come.
Through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, our government is ensuring that researchers at the University of Guelph are equipped with the tools they need to keep advancing our agricultural sector and position Ontario as a global leader in agri-food and business,” added Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security minister Nolan Quinn.
