The University of Guelph will take the lead on building and upgrading essential agri-food research facilities, thanks to a $41-million investment in Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) infrastructure from the Government of Ontario.
This funding highlights U of G’s vital role in Ontario’s agri-food innovation scene and ensures that impactful research continues to provide practical solutions for producers, agribusinesses, and researchers across the province.
“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, which are 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, 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 and ensure families can continue to buy high-quality, Ontario-made food with pride.”
Since 2010, U of G has managed over a dozen ARIO infrastructure projects including the Ontario Swine Research Centre, Ontario Beef Research Centre along with a new quarantine unit at the Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre. These facilities are designed with input from industry stakeholders and serve as collaborative environments where researchers tackle current challenges facing their sectors.
“For more than 60 years, ARIO has been providing the spaces and places where agri-food research and innovation happens in Ontario,” says Nevin Mc Dougall, chair of ARIO. “We are pleased that the Ontario government is investing to revitalize ARIO infrastructure. This investment will not only build on ARIO’s world-class research platform but also enable stronger research capacity that supports a competitive sustainable agri-food sector-a crucial part of Ontario’s economy.”
This funding initiative includes collaboration with four poultry industry boards (Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission as well as Turkey Farmers of Ontario) which adds another $10.5 million towards improving the Ontario Poultry Research Centre at Elora Research Station-bringing its total funding up to $24 million. Currently leading efforts on this new facility is Uof G focused on animal welfare issues including reproduction nutrition along with meat quality safety.
“We’re grateful for increased support from our provincial government towards developingthe Ontario Poultry Research & Innovation Centre,” said Murray Opsteen Chairperson Chicken Farmers Of Ontario. “This backing will enhance our capabilitiesin managing riskand preventing disease while opening new avenuesfor improving on-farm efficiencies implementing sustainable practices introducing cutting-edge technologyto benefit poultry farming across Ontarionow.”
The investment further allocates $15.5 million for establishingthe new Ontario Feed Innovation Centre also locatedin Elora , and repairsupgradesare plannedat other propertieswithin thenetwork suchas Dairy Education Centreat Ridgetown Campus.
“Ontario Pork commends OMAFA , Governmentof Ontario&ARIOfor their ongoingcommitmenttoagriculturalresearchinnovationthroughnewontario feedinnovationcenter,” states Tara Terpstrawhich Chair Of Pork Board.”Thiscenterwillbe welcome additiontoprovincialswineresearchcentreontarios’agricultureoverall.”
“Dairy Farmers Of Ontariosupportsthis announcementon repairuppgradesfordairyeducationcentreat Ridgetown.&wouldlike thank OMAFA &Minister Trevor Jones,” says Mark Hamel. Chairboard, Dairy Farmers Of Ontario”asthelargestsectorof Ontariolargelycontributes89k jobs&8billion GDP. Lastyearalone dairyfarmers shipped3 billionlitresmilkfrom3100 farmsacrossprovince. investment supports Dairy Ed Center’scontinual deliveryhighqualitydairytrainingstudentsinterestedcareerinagriculture ONT.”
These renovatedexpandedfacilitieswillservecriticalresourcesproducersenablingthembenefitfromresearch traininginnovationdirectlysupportingtheiroperations.
Withongoingcollaborationrenewedspaces, Uof Ghelpingshape resilientcompetitive sustainableagrifoodsectorontario beyond.
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