From innovations in biodiversity tracking and vertical farming to advancements in soil science, the University of Guelph will showcase all the ways it’s helping drive solutions to food and farming challenges at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. 

U of G continues the tradition of hosting a large exhibit at the fair, highlighting how its  approach to science, technology, engineering and entrepreneurship are changing the way we grow and consume food. 

Visitors to the annual fair, which runs from Nov. 1 to 10 at Exhibition Place in Toronto, can learn how U of G researchers are using robotics to pick produce, developing machine learning to detect disease, and finetuning the technology for vertical farming. 

“The University of Guelph is incredibly proud to be part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the largest indoor agricultural event in the world,” says Dr. Rene Van Acker, U of G’s acting president and vice-chancellor. “We look forward to showcasing the inspiring work happening on campus, as well as our vision for the tech-filled future.” 

Education symposium on agri-food careers 

As the presenting education sponsor, U of G faculty and staff will lead discussions at the Education Symposium: Your Future in Food about the growing number of careers in the agri-food sector. 

On Nov. 6 and 7, faculty and student ambassadors with the University’s Ontario Agricultural College, which turned 150 years old this year, will be on hand to discuss the educational pathways into the future of food with educators, parents and students. 

A panel of OAC undergraduate students and recent grads will discuss emerging opportunities in the sector, favourite courses and work terms and their career aspirations, which include plant biology, food science and marketing, environmental science and policy development.  

Over at the Growth Hub Stage in the Enercare Centre, a series of U of G researchers will discuss how the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are impacting agriculture and food to solve real-world challenges. 

The panel discussion will include: 

Dr. Paul Hebert, professor and CEO of U of G’s Centre for Biodiversity Genomics 

The recipient of the 2024 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Earth and Environmental Science, Hebert is a globally recognized biologist who is often called the “father of DNA barcoding.” Hebert will discuss the global impact of his team’s research on the use of DNA to catalogue all life on this planet and explore the integral relationship between biodiversity and agriculture. 

Dr. Michelle D’Souza, molecular biologist and U of G alumna 

An emerging scholar, D’Souze earned her PhD from U of G and worked as a researcher in the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Now at McCain’s Foods, D’Souza is designing a soil biodiversity assessment program to support the company’s regenerative agriculture goals. In her presentation she will discuss how to develop corporate sustainability frameworks that benefit both society and nature.   

Anna Ngwenyi Mafor, student researcher, teacher and entrepreneur

A 2023 Arrell Scholar and emerging scholar who hails from northwest Cameroon, Mafor is currently working on her master’s in engineering systems and computing at U of G. Mafor is currently designing a cost-effective, AI-powered aeroponic greenhouse system and will speak to how green technology can help support sustainable agriculture. 

Dr. Rozita Dara, professor, School of Computer Science and director of AI4Food  

On Monday, Nov. 4, Dara will host a presentation examining how AI, or artificial intelligence, is helping improve the food system’s resilience, safety and efficiency, as well as some of the ethical and technical challenges to adopting these technologies. 

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place at Exhibition Place from Nov. 1-10. Tickets can be purchased on The Royal’s website. 

Source: University of Guelph October 31, 2024 news release