A strong local food supply that protects farmers, the supply chain and the environment: that's the goal of $5.4 million in provincial funding for 28 University of Guelph research projects.
The investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration among the University of Guelph, the Government of Ontario and its agency Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO).
"As a national leader in agri-food innovation, the University of Guelph is committed to addressing the sector's most pressing and evolving challenges with real-world solutions," says Dr. Rene Van Acker, president and vice-chancellor.
"This strategic investment in research through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance will not only drive growth for local producers and agri-businesses but also build the sector's resilience by equipping the next generation of innovators with the tools and expertise to lead the future of food."
The Alliance leverages U of G leadership as the top-ranked university in Canada for both veterinary science and food and agricultural science to deliver solutions for Ontario. Its unique agri-food research and innovation ecosystem enables U of G experts to develop new technology, collaborate with industry and train a highly qualified future workforce.
"Our government's strategic investments into transformative agri-food research is empowering Ontario's producers and innovators to turn world-class research into real-world solutions," said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. "By helping our farmers and agribusinesses innovate, create local jobs and compete globally, we're ensuring that our rural communities continue to thrive in the face of economic uncertainty."
Research supported through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance
For more than 150 years, U of G and the Government of Ontario have worked together with the agri-food sector to face evolving agri-food sector challenges.
"Research supported through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance is making a real difference on Ontario farms. The work led by the University of Guelph is helping grain farmers manage pests and diseases, improve crop resilience and continue advancing sustainable practices. This partnership ensures that cutting-edge science is connected to on-the-ground needs, providing farmers with the tools they need to stay competitive today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow," says Paul Hoekstra, vice president of strategic development at Grain Farmers of Ontario.
U of G expertise in agri-food and rural research spans a wide range of critical areas, including animal and plant health, production systems, environmental sustainability, and rural and economic development.
To generate practical results, many of these projects leverage the province's network of agri-food research centres, which are owned by the Government of Ontario through its agency Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) and are managed by U of G. These sites are critical for field testing local solutions for producers.
"ARIO has provided the spaces for agri-food research and innovation in Ontario for over 60 years," says Nevin McDougall, chair of the board for ARIO. "This investment through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance reflects our commitment to enabling research, collaboration, and commercialization to address real-world challenges in the agri-food sector."
In close collaboration with government and industry partners, U of G delivers solutions that help Ontario remain at the forefront of agri-food and rural research, and innovation.
"The agri-food sector is an essential element of thriving rural communities across the province. This investment in the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance will protect Ontario's rural communities by enabling economic growth and innovation for the businesses and the entrepreneurs who are proud to call rural Ontario home," says Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
Alliance research is behind advancements that benefit Ontarians, like healthier cows that produce more milk, more productive fruit and vegetable varieties, coffee pods and auto parts made from biomaterials, and commercialized innovations that enhance the safety of our food supply.
Through projects like these, students gain hands-on learning experience to become tomorrow's agri-food leaders. The Alliance trains approximately 1,000 students per year with skills in research, One Health and food animal care.
"Ontario's universities are producing groundbreaking agricultural research that is not only driving our province's economy but also protecting Ontario's food supply system for decades to come," says Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
"Through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, our government is ensuring that researchers at the University of Guelph are equipped with the tools they need to keep advancing our agricultural sector and position Ontario as a global leader in agrifood and business."
Projects selected for funding:
Among the 28 projects are::
- Developing a battery-powered, AI-driven robot to manage pests in soybean fields
Dr. Gurjit Randhawa, School of Computer Science
- Creating healthier hives using advanced technology to protect honeybee colonies from Varroa mites.
Dr. Ernesto Guzman, School of Environmental Sciences
- Helping farmers save money by developing nutrition and management strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from pigs
Dr. Kari Dunfield, School of Environmental Sciences
- Examining recent global examples of large rural manufacturing investments to help Ontario communities plan strategically, reduce risks and get the most long-term benefits
Dr. Ryan Gibson, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
- A $360,000 Special Initiatives Program project, Commodity Specific Modelling
Dr. José Nuño-Ledesma, Department of Food Agricultural and Resource Economics
This project will help to build resiliency in Ontario's agri-food sector by investing in specialized economic analysis that will improve industry's ability to respond to and make decisions when major disruptions arise.
Facts:
- The Alliance delivers a strong 187% return on provincial impact as it builds the province's nearly $51-billion agri-food sector.
- Proposals are currently being accepted for Alliance Project Operating Funding (Tier 1). The application deadline is Sept. 17, 2025.
- The Alliance funds priority-driven research, training of highly qualified personnel, and knowledge mobilization programs designed to meet the needs of Ontario's agri-food sectors and rural communities. Visit uoguelph.ca/Alliance to learn more.
