Nov 27, 2019

Ontario investing up to $1.85M to boost innovation in agri-food research

The governments of Canada and Ontario are supporting agri-food innovation through an investment of up to $1.85 million in research to help Ontario develop new cutting edge technologies, practices and solutions to tackle modern-day industry problems.

The new Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative is now accepting proposals for advancing research in food safety, trade, market and growth opportunities, automation, and bio-based production systems, with a maximum of $150,000 funding allocation per project.

“By investing in leading-edge agriculture and agri-food technologies, the Government is investing in one of the most innovative, dynamic and competitive sectors of the Canadian economy,” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Our producers need science and innovation to stand out and seize the exciting business opportunities that present themselves. This is essential to the growth of their businesses.”

“Our government is committed to supporting the development of food safety and farming knowledge and technologies that create good jobs and help advance our agriculture sector,” said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “We want to provide the sector with the latest tools and techniques to position it for further growth and to continue being world leaders in agri-food innovation now and for years to come.”

To be eligible, applicants must have demonstrated capacity to perform quality research and be:

• A university or college
• A research organization, institute, or foundation
• An industry organization or business
• A non-government organization
• A government or government agency

Federal and provincial government researchers are eligible to collaborate on projects.

Agri-food research is important to help bring new technologies and processes to market and develop new practices for on-farm solutions. This investment in agri-food research will benefit all Ontarians by helping to provide more safe and healthy food while increasing trade opportunities for Ontario grown and made food items. This investment boosts rural economic opportunity by making agri-food businesses more profitable and competitive.

“The Agri-Food Research Initiative is critical to the success of Ontario’s agri-food sector and will support the competitiveness, prosperity and sustainability of the sector and rural communities,” said Dr. Lorne Hepworth, Chair of the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario.