Ontario Government Invests $41 Million in Agricultural Research

The Ontario government has announced a significant investment of $41 million aimed at enhancing agricultural research initiatives across the province. This funding will support various projects, including $10.5 million allocated for the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre located at the Elora Research Station. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Trevor Jones, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture.

Murray Opsteen, chair of the Chicken Farmers of Ontario, expressed gratitude for the increased funding, highlighting its importance for the poultry sector. “This support will strengthen our ability to manage risk and prevent disease, while also opening new doors to enhance on-farm efficiencies, advance sustainable practices, and introduce cutting-edge technologies,” Opsteen stated.

The new research facility is expected to significantly benefit the province’s poultry farmers, which includes approximately 1,200 chicken and 432 egg producers. This investment is part of the broader mission of Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), an agency dedicated to improving agri-food infrastructure and innovation.

Investment to Support Farmers and Business Owners

In a formal release, Jones reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting Ontario’s agri-food sector. He stated, “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.”

The announcement comes ahead of the 27th annual Agriculture Week, which is scheduled to take place from October 6-12. This timing underscores the government’s focus on supporting the agricultural community and its vital role in the province’s economy.

The University of Guelph operates the 14 research stations involved in this initiative through a longstanding partnership known as the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance. Nevin McDougall, chair of ARIO, commented on the significance of the investment, stating, “For more than 60 years, ARIO has been providing the spaces and places where agri-food research and innovation happen in Ontario. We are pleased the Ontario government is investing to revitalize ARIO infrastructure.”

Funding for Infrastructure and Innovation

In addition to the funding for the Ontario Poultry Research Centre, the investment includes $15.5 million for the new Ontario Feed Innovation Centre at the Elora Research Station. This funding will also facilitate necessary repairs across all 14 research facilities, enhancing their capabilities to support Ontario’s agricultural sector.

This comprehensive investment not only aims to build on ARIO’s world-class research platform but also to enhance the overall research capacity essential for a competitive and sustainable agri-food sector. The province’s commitment to advancing agricultural research reflects its recognition of the sector as a fundamental pillar of Ontario’s economy, helping to ensure its farmers and business owners can thrive in a challenging global marketplace.