The province is investing $7 million into agri-food research projects with the University of Guelph.
The investment is through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance previously known as the OMAFRA-U of G Partnership, an alliance between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs and the University of Guelph.
The research projects are said to support environmentally friendly agricultural practices, protect livestock health and welfare and stimulate economic growth within the agri-food sector and rural communities.
“Discoveries made at U of G, fuelled by OMAFRA’s incredible support, will continue to underpin our province's sustainable food systems, while ensuring a healthy, prosperous society for generations to come,” said Malcolm Campbell, vice -president of research at the university.
“As a global leader in agri-food research and innovation, the University of Guelph is committed to creating world-class, cutting-edge solutions that power current and future competitiveness of Ontario’s remarkable agri-food sector.”
The funding will go into 49 projects that include studying the impact of using herbs instead of antibiotics to improve calf health, growth, and welfare, assessing the communities capacity to respond to rural and agricultural issues, examining pests, diseases and weeds impacting Ontario crops, addressing pathways of common illnesses to improve the health of young animals, evaluating probiotics and alternative control measures, and evaluating the ability of natural buffer strips to reduce the impact of agricultural practices on freshwater ecosystems.
“Agri-food research is key to strengthening Ontario’s agriculture sector; this advanced research is critical for our province to remaining a world leader in the industry,” said Lisa Thompson, minister of Agriculture, food and rural affairs in a press release.
“These projects help to develop the most advanced management practices, improve production efficiency and drive economic growth that strengthens farm businesses, the sector and rural economies.”
