Monday, July 15, 2024
reading time: 2 minutes
The Ontario government is committing $7.2 million to 44 Ontario-led research and innovation projects aimed at boosting the competitiveness of farmers and agribusinesses. The initiative, part of the Ontario Alliance for Agri-Food Innovation – a partnership between the province, the University of Guelph and Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), aims to strengthen the agriculture and food sector.
“We have a number of ambitious goals for the industry, and research and innovation will play a key role in helping us achieve them.” Minister for Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rob Flack said: “With this investment, we are helping to create an environment where farmers and agribusinesses can benefit from the latest research, product and innovation developments. This will enhance their operations and position the entire agriculture and food sector for economic growth and success.”
The Ontario Alliance for Agri-Food Innovation promotes research and innovation that advances agriculture and food production in the province. Funded projects aim to protect animal and plant health, enhance production systems, promote environmental sustainability, and increase productivity and growth. Examples of these projects include:
- Developing a carbon capture system to store and reuse carbon dioxide in greenhouses, improving sustainability and reducing emissions.
- Improving fertilizer management for winter wheat and vegetable crops in Ontario to reduce fertilizer dependence.
- Low-cost production of bio-graphene from agricultural waste for use in electric batteries.
- Create plastic alternatives to reduce reliance on single-use plastic products.
- Development of a harvesting robot for tomato greenhouses.
“The University of Guelph offers unparalleled expertise to deliver solutions to Ontario’s agri-food sector.” Rene Van Acker, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) at the University of Guelph, said:“With this investment, we will continue to train the next generation of agri-food leaders while supporting a safe and healthy food supply for Ontarians.”
“The Ontario Department of Agricultural Research and Innovation is pleased to be a partner in developing the high-impact research that comes from the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance,“Says Lorne Hepworth, President of ARIO,” “It is innovative research like this that positions the agri-food industry to stay on top of the latest production practices and implement new technologies and methods that will increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food sector.”
This initiative aligns with the Grow Ontario strategy’s goal of fostering innovation and adoption in agri-food. Ontario-led agricultural and agri-food research drives job creation, ensures safe, high-quality food production, and contributes to a healthy environment and a thriving economy.
