The Ontario government will invest more than $343 million over five years in the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a unique collaboration among the University of Guelph, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO).

The Alliance leverages University of Guelph expertise and brings together academia, government and industry to support Ontario’s $47-billion agri-food sector with cutting-edge research and innovation, training and laboratory services.

The Alliance increases Ontario’s GDP by $1.4 billion and has an annual economic impact of approximately $120 million.

U of G and OMAFRA share a strong dedication to agri-food innovation, working together to generate new knowledge and supporting the agri-food sector for over a century through U of G’s founding colleges and institutions.

The Alliance’s unique platform includes opportunities for developing skilled talent, optimizing the province’s network of research centres to develop on-farm solutions for Ontario’s livestock and crop producers, and managing threats to food production and food security, such as African swine fever.

“The renewal of this landmark agreement enables U of G researchers to continue to successfully create and apply groundbreaking, globally relevant innovation to address the challenges and opportunities in the agri-food sector and rural communities,” said Dr. Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research).

The agreement comes into effect on April 1, 2023.

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs March 15, 2023 news release