The federal and provincial governments will commit up to $1.85 million to the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
The governments of Canada and Ontario are working together to support agri-food research.
The two governments have committed up to $1.85 million under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to the new Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative. This program offers research funding “that stimulates innovation to support the growth and competitiveness of Ontario’s agri-food sector, promotes food safety and strengthens rural economies.”
OMAFRA has identified four priority research areas:
- food safety
- global market analysis
- automation – barriers and adoption by the sector
- bio-based production systems
Exploring these topics will help make Ontario a favourable market for ag investments.
“The government knows agri-food research helps our farmers and processors realize their full potential -- by helping them bring technologies and processes to market,” Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Ernie Hardeman told Farms.com in an emailed statement. “That’s why we launched the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative to support research in food safety, trade, market, automation and bio-based production.
“The latest tools and techniques help the agri-food sector stay competitive and leading edge, as well as develop best practices and (on-farm) solutions to provide safe food we all enjoy.”
To receive project funding, interested parties must submit applications.
Eligible entities include universities, colleges, industry organizations and agri-businesses. The lead applicant must also be in Ontario.
Funding is limited to a maximum of $150,000 per project.
OMAFRA will host an information session on Dec. 11 from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at 1 Stone Road W. in Guelph to provide information about the application process and priorities. The session will also be available as a webinar.
Anyone interested in attending should RSVP to research.omafra@ontario.ca.
The deadline to apply for funding is Jan. 23, 2020.