Ontario invests in agri-food research in collaboration with University of Guelph
<p><br/></p><p>The Ontario government is investing $7 million into agri-food research projects to support environmentally-friendly agricultural practices, protect livestock health and welfare, and stimulate economic growth within the agri-food sector.</p><p><br/></p><p>¡°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, Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. ¡°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.¡±</p><p><br/></p><p>The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance will collaborate with the University of Guelph on projects that include:</p><p>Evaluating the ability of natural buffer strips to reduce the impact of agricultural practices on freshwater ecosystems, protecting water quality and biodiversity;</p><p>Studying the impact of using herbs instead of antibiotics to improve calf health, growth, and welfare;</p><p>Assessing the capacity of communities to respond to rural and agricultural issues and identify best practices;</p><p>Examining pests, diseases and weeds impacting Ontario crops, develop integrated pest management practices, and examine crop genetics to improve varieties and disease resistance;</p><p>Addressing pathways of common illnesses to improve the health of young animals and evaluating probiotics and alternative control measures.</p><p><br/></p><p>¡°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,¡± said Malcolm Campbell, Vice-President (Research), University of Guelph. ¡°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.¡±</p><p><br/></p>
02 Sep,2021
