Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
June 26, 2001
U of G, Equine research centre pen new alliance
The University of Guelph and the Equine Research Centre (ERC) formally launched a new collaboration today that combines their resources and strengthens research.
“Horse owners and the equine industry are the ones who will ultimately benefit from this new alliance,” said Ken Armstrong, executive director of ERC, which is the primary link between Ontario’s equine industry and equine researchers. “This collaboration allows us to bolster the research process and enhance delivery of practical, applied knowledge to the horse owner and the industry in general. It also will put ERC in the forefront in the Ontario horse industry.”
In signing a memorandum of agreement establishing the formal working arrangement, U of G President Mordechai Rozanski added: “We share the important goal to deliver knowledge to help the Canadian equine industry. This harmonization will allow the University and ERC to pool resources – including our world-class researchers and our facilities at the Ontario Veterinary College – and, thus, strengthens our ability to serve Ontario’s $5.5-billion horse industry.”
The University and ERC began working together two years ago to explore how to best to meet the combined needs of researchers and industry. The new alliance allows each institution to maintain its independence, while pulling together all the funding groups and research initiatives that relate to the equine industry. The collaboration sets up a process for reviewing and prioritizing research projects. The University and ERC also hope to work together to access government programs that will enable them to create certificate courses on various aspects of equine management, including new online learning programs. Through the collaboration, the University and ERC will initiate and manage industry-funded research projects that are relevant to the equine industry. In collaboration with the University and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, ERC will also communicate research results and other industry news and aims to improve the knowledge base within the equine industry.
“The equine industry is an important one in this province, and it is growing,” said OVC Dean Alan Meek. “Collectively, we can bring together the resources and expertise needed to achieve the critical mass that will have a significant impact on the health of all horses and the future prosperity of the industry.” Ontario’s equine industry is believed to include some 260,000 horses for recreation and showing and another 30,000 for racing.
Contacts:
Ken Armstrong
Executive Director, Equine Research Centre
(519) 837-0061
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs, 519-824-4120, Ext. 3338.
