The University of Guelph will lead the construction and revitalization of critical agri-food research capacity, powered by a $41-million investment in Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) research infrastructure from the Government of Ontario.
This funding commitment reinforces U of G’s role as a cornerstone of Ontario’s agri-food innovation ecosystem and ensures that high-impact research can continue to deliver real-world solutions for Ontario’s producers, agribusinesses and researchers.
“The University of Guelph is proud to partner with the province and the agri-food sector to lead the development of more than $200 million in research infrastructure over the past 15 years,” says Dr. Rene Van Acker, U of G president and vice-chancellor. “As operators, stewards and primary users of these ARIO facilities, U of G puts this infrastructure to work for industry — supporting producers, serving agribusinesses and driving innovation. This investment will continue to build resilience, improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness and ensure Ontario’s agri-food sector remains a global leader.”
U of G will manage the design and construction of these cutting-edge spaces, which are part of a research station network owned by ARIO, an agency of the Government of Ontario.
U of G operates and conducts research at these properties through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a longstanding collaboration between the University, the Government of Ontario and ARIO.
“Our government is taking action to protect Ontario’s agri-food sector, and we are proud to support farmers and business owners,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “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.”
Since 2010, U of G has overseen more than a dozen ARIO infrastructure and capital improvement projects, including the Ontario Swine Research Centre, Ontario Beef Research Centre and a new quarantine and isolation unit at the Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre. These facilities are designed with industry input and serve as collaborative spaces where researchers address current and future sector challenges.
“For more than 60 years, ARIO has been providing the spaces and places where agri-food research and innovation happens in Ontario,” says Nevin McDougall, chair of ARIO. “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.”’
Through this funding commitment, and in collaboration with Ontario’s four poultry industry boards (Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission and the Turkey Farmers of Ontario), Ontario is investing an additional $10.5 million in the Ontario Poultry Research Centre at the Elora Research Station, bringing its contribution to a total of $24 million. U of G is currently leading work on the new facility, which will support research focused on animal welfare, reproduction, nutrition and meat quality and safety.
“We are grateful to the Ontario government for its increased investment in the Ontario Poultry Research and Innovation Centre,” says Murray Opsteen, Chair of Chicken Farmers of Ontario. “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 investment also includes $15.5 million for the new Ontario Feed Innovation Centre, also at Elora, and repairs and upgrades to other properties in the network, including the Dairy Education Centre at the Ridgetown Campus.
“Ontario Pork commends OMAFA, the Government of Ontario and ARIO for their continued commitment to research and innovation through the new Ontario Feed Innovation Centre,” says Tara Terpstra, Ontario Pork Board Chair. “The Centre will be a welcome complement to the Ontario Swine Research Centre, and Ontario’s agri-food sector.”
“Dairy Farmers of Ontario supports the announcement on investment for repairs and upgrades to the Dairy Education Centre at Ridgetown, and would like to thank OMAFA and Minister Trevor Jones,” says Mark Hamel, Board Chair, Dairy Farmers of Ontario. “As the largest sector of Ontario agriculture, the dairy industry supports more than 89,000 jobs and contributes nearly $8.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP. Last year alone dairy farmers shipped more than 3.1 billion litres of milk from over 3,100 farms across the province. This investment supports the Dairy Education Centre’s continued delivery of high-quality dairy education and training in Ontario for students interested in a career in Ontario agriculture.”
These renewed and expanded facilities will serve as vital resources for Ontario’s producers, enabling them to benefit from research, training and innovation that directly support their operations.
With continued collaboration and renewed spaces, U of G is helping shape a more resilient, competitive and sustainable agri-food sector for Ontario and beyond.