The Ontario government is investing more than $41 million over the next four years to build and revitalize Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) infrastructure.
Announced by the province on Tuesday, the funding is part of the government’s broader plan to support Ontario’s farmers and ensure the agri-food sector remains resilient and competitive in the global marketplace, said a government release.
“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.”
ARIO is an agency of the Ontario government and owns the province’s network of strategic agri-food research infrastructure, including 14 research station properties, with 5,600 acres and over 200 buildings. Its focus on agri-food research and innovation in areas such as field crops, livestock, greenhouse, horticulture, aquaculture and soil health “helps translate research into practical solutions for farmers and agribusinesses,” the release said.
A key component of today’s investment includes an additional $10.5 million for the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre at the Elora Research Station. The facility will strengthen research on animal welfare, reproduction, and meat quality and safety, supporting Ontario’s 1,200 chicken and turkey producers and 432 egg farmers. Combined with the $13.5 million previously committed, the province’s total contribution to the project now stands at $24 million.
Other ARIO projects receiving funding include $15.5 million for the new Ontario Feed Innovation Centre at Elora, which will provide micro-scale nutritional research for swine, poultry, small ruminants, and aquaculture. Additional funding will go toward repairs and upgrades across the ARIO network, including improvements to the Dairy Education Centre at Ridgetown campus, ensuring ongoing research and innovation for Ontario farmers and agribusinesses.
“For more than 60 years, ARIO has been providing the spaces and places where agri-food research and innovation happens in Ontario,” said Nevin McDougall, Board Chair of ARIO. “We are pleased the Ontario government is investing to revitalize ARIO infrastructure. This investment will not only build on ARIO’s world-class research platform but will also enable stronger research capacity to support a competitive and sustainable agri-food sector; a pillar of Ontario’s economy.”
