The University of Guelph is set to spearhead the development and upgrade of essential agri-food research facilities, thanks to a $41-million investment from the Government of Ontario into Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) research infrastructure.
This funding underscores U of G’s vital role in Ontario’s agri-food innovation landscape and guarantees that impactful research will keep providing practical solutions for producers, agribusinesses, and researchers across Ontario.
“The University of Guelph is proud to partner with the province and the agri-food sector to lead the development of more than $200 million in research infrastructure over the past 15 years,” says Dr. Rene Van Acker, U of G president and vice-chancellor. “As operators, stewards, and primary users of these ARIO facilities, U of G puts this infrastructure to work for industry – supporting producers, serving agribusinesses, and driving innovation. This investment will continue to build resilience, improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness and ensure Ontario’s agri-food sector remains a global leader.”
U of G will oversee the design and construction of these state-of-the-art spaces as part of a research station network managed by ARIO, an agency under the Government of Ontario.
New funding commitment reinforces U of G’s role as a cornerstone of Ontario’s agri-food innovation ecosystem
U of G operates and conducts research at these sites through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, which is a long-standing partnership between the University, the Government of Ontario, and ARIO.
“Our government is taking action to protect Ontario’s agri-food sector, and we are proud to support farmers and business owners,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Through investments in research and innovation, we are ensuring farmers and business owners have the best solutions to remain competitive against tariffs while ensuring families can continue to buy high-quality, Ontario-made food with pride.”
Since 2010, U of G has been responsible for overseeing over a dozen ARIO infrastructure projects aimed at capital improvements including places like the Ontario Swine Research Centre, Ontario Beef Research Centre along with a new quarantine unit at the Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre. These facilities are built with input from industry professionals and serve as collaborative environments where researchers tackle present-day challenges facing their sectors.
“For more than 60 years, ARIO has been providing spaces where agri-food research takes place in Ontario,” says Nevin Mc Dougall, chair of ARIO. “We are pleased that the Ontario government is investing in revitalizing ARIO infrastructure. This funding not only enhances ARIO’s world-class research platform but also boosts our capacity for supporting a competitive and sustainable agri-food sector which is crucial for Ontario’s economy.”
This new funding commitment includes collaboration with four poultry industry boards (Chicken Farmers of Ontario; Egg Farmers of Ontario; Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission; Turkey Farmers of Ontario), adding another $10.5 million towards improving the existing resources at the Elora Research Station’s Poultry Research Centre – totaling $24 million overall investment from Ontarian contributions. The University is currently leading efforts on this new facility focusing on animal welfare concerns along with nutrition quality while enhancing meat safety standards.
“We are thankful for increased backing from our provincial government towards improving our Poultry Research & Innovation Centre,” states Murray Opsteen Chairperson representing Chicken Farmers within Canada today! He adds: “This support will enhance our ability managing risks plus stopping diseases while also creating opportunities promoting efficiency advancements together alongside introducing innovative technology benefiting every part involved!”
The funding package also allocates $15.5 million towards establishing an all-new Feed Innovation Center located nearby Elora site alongside necessary repairs/upgrades across other facilities including Dairy Education Center situated inside Ridgetown Campus area specifically designed helping grow students’ skills revolving around dairy farming education during their academic pursuits!
“Ontario Pork praises OMAFA along with both levels associated here whom stand firm behind continued dedication fostering productive partnerships paving way ahead via establishing new Feed Innovations centers expected enrich collaborations surrounding swine-related matters alike,” remarks Tara Terpstra Chair overseeing operations impacting local pork production houses within province borders!
“Dairy Farmers extend appreciation regarding announced investments targeting renovations/upgrading needed by Dairy Education Center found throughout Ridgetown – many thanks go out particularly expressed toward officials representing OMAFA led under Minister Trevor Jones leadership!” mentions Mark Hamel Board Chair focusing primarily upon enhancing dairy-related job opportunities available locally since it contributes significantly generating over nine thousand jobs sustaining almost $8 billion directly tied back economic activity resulting whenever milk sourced originating off three-thousand farms collectively scattered everywhere around region!”
The refurbished spaces available moving forward become key assets facilitating easier access essential benefits derived arising from rigorous training schemes intertwined successfully delivering revolutionary concepts translating well right down onto farmlands operated maintaining agricultural productivity progressing sustainably too!
Together through ongoing cooperation aligned beside improved facilities provided by esteemed institutions’ involvement being taken seriously by everyone concerned shows determination visible aiming drive continuously striving develop future outlooks brightening agriculture sustainably now onwards adapting accordingly responding effectively situationally dynamic shifts occurring constantly affecting climates changing rapidly impacting us all!
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