Ontario is investing up to $7 million in new agri-food research projects aimed at helping farmers and food processors develop market-ready solutions to improve competitiveness, lower costs, and strengthen the province’s food system.
Announced Tuesday, the funding through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance will support 34 research projects focused on advancing technology, sustainability, and productivity across the agri-food sector, said a government release.
Some of the projects are focused on improving farm efficiency and addressing production challenges. Among them are efforts to develop advanced satellite and machine-learning systems capable of mapping flooded farmland and identifying potential wetlands. Other projects include developing improved nutrition and production-management strategies for hog farming aimed at lowering producer costs.
The investment is intended to help Ontario farmers remain competitive in global markets while improving domestic food production and supply chain resilience, the release said.
“Today’s investment will help Ontario farmers remain leaders in food production, delivering safe and high-quality local food to our communities and to markets around the world,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
The funding is part of the province’s broader $47.5 million commitment over seven years through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance’s research programming.
The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance operates as a collaboration between the provincial government and the University of Guelph, with research taking place at facilities owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO). Ontario’s agri-food research network includes 14 research properties spanning roughly 5,600 acres and more than 220 buildings dedicated to agricultural innovation.
