Ontario Invests $5.4 Million in Agri-Food Innovation to Boost Sector Resilience

The Ontario government is investing more than $5.4 million into 28 agri-food innovation projects, aiming to help farmers and businesses commercialize new, cutting-edge research. 

Announced Wednesday, the funding through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance is part of a broader $40- million commitment over six years and is designed to support Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry in weathering economic uncertainties, including U.S. tariffs, while advancing competitiveness, job creation, and rural prosperity. 

“Our government’s strategic investments into transformative agri-food research are 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.” 

Among this year’s supported projects: 

• AI-powered pest management: Development of a battery-operated, AI-driven robot to detect and manage pests in soybean fields. 

• Healthier beehives: Advanced technologies to protect honeybee colonies from destructive Varroa mites. 

• Swine efficiency: Research into feed and production strategies to reduce costs for pig farmers. 

• Market intelligence: Tools using economic data to help businesses navigate shifting markets and explore new export opportunities. 

The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a partnership with the University of Guelph, plays a central role in connecting research to real-world applications. With this latest round of funding, the province is positioning itself as a leader in agri-tech and rural economic resilience.