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