The University of Guelph has created Canada's first academic chair in sustainable food engineering, backed by a $5-million gift from the Barrett Family Foundation. The chair is intended to develop innovative ways to improve food processing and production.
"Feeding the world's growing population, safely and sustainably, is one of the greatest global challenges of today," said president Franco Vaccarino.
"But it is not just a matter of generating more food; we must also do more to protect the food we produce, including improving food safety and reducing food waste."
Worldwide, about half of all food produced is wasted during processing and transport or in kitchens and supermarkets, Vaccarino said. At the same time, consumers are demanding products that are safe, fresh and environmentally friendly, with longer shelf life.
"The University of Guelph is Canada's food university; we have the expertise and the technology to address these issues," Vaccarino said.
"This transformational gift - among the largest in U of G history will allow us to leverage our strengths and develop solutions that support both consumers and the food industry."
For decades, Bob and Francine Barrett have supported a wide range of causes - arts, health and local communities. Looking for a strategic approach to their philanthropic commitments, they created The Barrett Family Foundation to focus on education, environment and humanitarian well-being concerns. "As a family we are delighted to align our giving priorities with the University of Guelph's expertise in Engineering and Food."
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