Ontario Investing in Agri-Food Research to Help Farmers and Agribusinesses Compete Globally

Jul 18, 2025

TORONTO — Ontario is investing over $5.4 million in 28 agri-food projects through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance to help businesses commercialize new, cutting-edge research for Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, these transformational research projects will lead to new discoveries and innovations that can help businesses grow, create jobs and boost their competitive advantage in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.

“Our government’s strategic investments into transformative agri-food research is empowering Ontario’s producers and innovators to turn world-class research into real-world solutions,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “By helping our farmers and agribusinesses innovate, create local jobs and compete globally, we’re ensuring that our rural communities continue to thrive in the face of economic uncertainty.”

Today’s $5.4 million investment is part of government’s $40 million investment over six years into the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance’s tier 1 research programming. Examples of projects supported by the Alliance this year include:

using economic data to help farmers and businesses respond to market changes and explore new trade opportunities
developing a battery-powered, AI-driven robot to manage pests in soybean fields
creating healthier beehives using advanced technology to protect honeybee colonies from Varroa mites
helping farmers lower costs by developing nutrition and production management strategies for pigs

The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance supports agri-food research and innovation projects through a competitive process on an annual basis. Today’s investment will help achieve the government’s Grow Ontario Strategy goals of increasing agri-food innovation and adoption by working closely with our industry partners, agribusinesses and research organizations.

Source : News Ontario

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.