By Abbas Nazil
The Government of Ontario is investing $5.4 million into 28 research projects at the University of Guelph aimed at strengthening the resilience of the province’s agri-food sector.
This funding comes through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a partnership between the University of Guelph, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, and Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO).
The initiative supports solutions that protect Ontario’s food supply chain, boost rural economies, and drive sustainable innovation.
University president and vice-chancellor Dr. Rene Van Acker emphasized the strategic value of the investment, noting that it not only benefits producers and agri-businesses but also equips the next generation of innovators.
The University of Guelph leads the country in veterinary and agricultural sciences and plays a central role in advancing technologies, supporting fieldwork, and training future professionals.
Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Trevor Jones, highlighted the importance of turning world-class research into practical results, stating that the funding will help local farmers create jobs and strengthen the province’s competitive edge.
This collaboration has a long history, with over 150 years of joint effort between the University of Guelph and the provincial government to support agri-food innovation.
The Alliance’s research has already helped farmers tackle challenges like crop disease, pest management, and sustainable farming practices, with practical applications being field-tested at government-owned research centers managed by the university.
Paul Hoekstra of the Grain Farmers of Ontario noted that the research is helping to improve crop resilience and sustainability, directly benefiting farms across the province.
Among the newly funded projects are developments in AI-powered pest control robots, bee colony protection technologies, strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from pigs, and economic planning tools for rural manufacturing.
Dr. José Nuño-Ledesma’s project on commodity-specific modeling received $360,000 and aims to improve industry response to economic disruptions through specialized analysis.
Chair of the ARIO board, Nevin McDougall, said the investment showcases a longstanding commitment to enabling research that addresses real-world agri-food sector challenges.
Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson stated that these efforts are crucial to ensuring economic growth and innovation in rural Ontario communities.
The Alliance has proven economic impact, delivering a 187 percent return on provincial investment and contributing to Ontario’s $51-billion agri-food sector.
It also plays a critical role in training around 1,000 students annually, preparing them for leadership roles in food systems, research, and sustainable agriculture.
The Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security praised Ontario’s universities for their role in protecting the province’s food systems and economy.
The Alliance continues to accept funding applications, with the next deadline set for September 17, 2025.
