Agri-food research at the University of Guelph will be enhanced through a new grant and scholarship supported by the former George Morris Centre.

The George Morris Centre, an agri-food think tank, ceased operations at the end of 2014. Earlier, the centre announced plans to transfer its net assets to U of G’s Ontario Agricultural College.

The $450,000 will be used to create the George Morris Agriculture and Food Policy Research Grant and the George Morris Graduate Student Scholarship.

“We were determined that George’s vision for independent analysis of agri-food policy would be sustained,” said Bob Funk, chair of the centre’s board.

Bob Hunsburger, a friend of the late George Morris and board treasurer, added: “George would be so pleased with these actions taken in his memory.”

The grant will support a visiting researcher for up to two weeks in the University’s Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) on work relevant to Ontario or Canadian agricultural policy issues.

The graduate student scholarship, worth $10,000, will be available to FARE students interested in policy-related research.

“George Morris was a visionary farmer and longtime friend of the University of Guelph. We are thankful and pleased to help continue his legacy through research efforts and scholarships,” said Rob Gordon, OAC dean.

George Fletcher Morris, a farmer and agri-food leader, created the centre in 1990 along with U of G. In 1998, the centre became an independent, non-profit charitable corporation.