Ontario Government Invests $41 Million in Agricultural Research

The Ontario government has announced a substantial investment of $41 million to enhance agricultural research initiatives across the province. This funding includes $10.5 million allocated for the newly established Ontario Poultry Research Centre at the Elora Research Station. The announcement was made by Trevor Jones, Ontario’s Agriculture Minister, during a press conference on Tuesday morning.

Murray Opsteen, board chair of the Chicken Farmers of Ontario, expressed gratitude for the financial support, stating, “We are grateful to the Ontario government for its increased investment in the Ontario Poultry Research and Innovation Centre. This support will strengthen our ability to manage risk and prevent disease, while also opening new doors to enhance on-farm efficiencies, advance sustainable practices, and introduce cutting-edge technologies to benefit Ontario’s poultry sector.” The new facility aims to support approximately 1,200 chicken and 432 egg farmers throughout Ontario.

The funding comes from Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), an agency dedicated to bolstering agri-food infrastructure, which includes a network of 14 research stations like the Elora facility. Minister Jones emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the agri-food sector, stating, “Our government is taking action to protect Ontario’s agri-food sector, and we are proud to support farmers and business owners. 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.”

The 14 research centres are operated by the University of Guelph through a longstanding partnership known as the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance. According to Nevin McDougall, chair of ARIO, “For more than 60 years, ARIO has been providing the spaces and places where agri-food research and innovation happen in Ontario. 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.”

In addition to the poultry research funding, other centres will benefit from this investment, including $15.5 million for the Ontario Feed Innovation Centre at the Elora Research Station. Repairs and upgrades will also be made to properties across the network of research centres.

This timely announcement coincides with the upcoming 27th annual Agriculture Week, set to take place from October 6 to 12, 2023. The government’s investment signals a proactive approach to enhancing agricultural research and supporting the province’s farming community.