At the intersection of food innovation, ag-tech and training, U of G leaves its mark
Generating real-world impact in agriculture has driven the University of Guelph’s mission for more than a century.
In partnership with industry and government, U of G researchers are developing and commercializing innovations that strengthen Ontario’s economy and expand its global agri-food reach.
They are embracing digital agriculture, working with farmers and agribusinesses to test promising innovations. Through hands-on learning, they are training the next generation of leaders to seamlessly enter the rapidly changing sector.
This Ontario Agriculture Week, explore how U of G is creating solutions for healthy, food-secure communities across the province.
Crop and livestock innovations
Canada’s food systems have been revolutionized in real time thanks to U of G researchers whose innovations have increased yield and reduced costs, strengthening the agricultural economy.
Supported by federal and provincial funds and in partnership with grain farmers, U of G plant scientists are breeding resilient, high-quality wheat suited to the province’s diverse environments.
Soybeans are being bred with traits tailored to export markets in Europe and Japan. Artificial intelligence is improving breeding further by predicting yields at early growth and detecting plant stress before it escalates.
In animal agriculture, U of G-developed innovations have made livestock more environmentally efficient without affecting production.
Genetic testing advancements are enabling healthier cow breeding, cutting veterinary costs in the dairy industry, with an eye to future applications for poultry.
The tech and AI future is now
From artificial intelligence to robotics, automated systems are redefining efficiency, getting ahead of today’s challenges.
U of G engineers are developing robotics trained to scout for weeds, working directly with industry partners to increase higher quality yields and reduce production losses.
Computer scientists are using machine learning and AI to develop better predictive models for avian flu outbreaks and support decision making.
Researchers are collaborating with industry to tackle pests by developing autonomous robots that use AI and computer vision to spot early signs of disease.
Cybersecurity experts are powering systems that monitor attacks on the agriculture sector’s digital infrastructure.
At the Robotics Institute, a smart robot that harvests tomatoes using AI-powered vision and an innovative gripping system positions U of G as a leader in advanced agriculture technology, addressing the chronic farm labour shortage.
READ MORE: Learn more about the U of G researchers at the forefront of tech innovation in Canada’s food sector.
Food safety and security
Clever technologies are upending conventional methods for eliminating food pathogens that changed the way Canada imports and exports food, improving food security.
Healthy soil is the key to productive farming and food security. Soil scientists are integrating AI and developing innovative technology to improve soil monitoring, further ensuring the province’s fields remain bountiful.
U of G research is helping shape policy by demonstrating the economic value of healthy soil practices.
Next generation of leaders
U of G’s investment in the leaders of tomorrow is the result of partnerships with industry, government and educators who share the goal of improving life.
At the Ontario Veterinary College, a new cohort of students from the province’s North represents a milestone in the effort to address the shortage in animal health care in underserved areas.
A nationally networked entrepreneurial platform called Sustainable Food Systems for Canada is providing the training and mentorship needed to ensure a pipeline of talent drives Canada’s economic security and productivity.