Province announces new poultry research centre
Majority of cost for $30-million Elora facility to be covered by province
CENTRE WELLINGTON – Elora will soon be home to a new poultry research facility.
Announced by the province on Oct. 7, the facility will support over 1,500 chicken and turkey producers and 500 egg and pullet farmers through agri-food research.
"This new facility will give farmers and researchers access to world-class research right here in Ontario, helping us manage risk, prevent disease, and improve on-farm efficiency," stated Chicken Farmers of Ontario chair Murray Opsteen.
The Ontario Poultry Research Centre will be funded by $24 million from the provincial government as well as $6 million from four poultry industry boards.
The project also received $250,000 through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support a portion of the design phase.
“We’re delivering on our commitment to protect Ontario’s poultry farmers by supporting the Ontario Poultry Research Centre, which will equip more than 2,000 chicken, turkey and egg farmers with the tools they need to address real-world challenges and seize new opportunities,” said agriculture minister Sam Oosterhoff.
“In the face of unprovoked tariffs, investments like this will help strengthen Ontario’s food security, sovereignty and self-sufficiency while supporting a more competitive and resilient agri-food sector.”
According to Oosterhoff, the facility will take about two years to construct – officials are planning a summer of 2028 opening – and provide more than 220 jobs.
It will focus on research surrounding animal nutrition, behaviour, genetics, biosecurity, production costs, health and welfare.
The facility will include dedicated research areas for layers and pullets, broilers and hatcheries, as well as specialized and commercial research wings.
Oosterhoff called the work “an area of opportunity” and said the new research centre is “great news for our feathered friends.”
University of Guelph president Dr. Rene Van Acker said the facility has been “a long time coming,” and thanked the province for its funding.
“The Ontario Poultry Research Centre will bring researchers, producers and industry together to turn research into practical solutions that strengthen productivity and resilience, support greater food security and self-reliance, and help secure Ontario’s food future and sovereignty,” said Van Acker.
