News

Whenever the first food plants are grown on the moon or during the inaugural voyage to Mars, a University of Guelph researcher may be able to claim some credit for helping to get them there.

This year, Dr. Tom Graham, a professor in the School of Environmental Sciences (SES), was named co-chair of a newly assembled national jury, vetting ideas for growing crops in space – a key requirement for long-duration space flight or NASA’s moon base, planned beyond 2024.

A study of microbes beneath the world’s seabed hints at the diversity and ecological importance of bacteria living in a little-known habitat that makes up one of the largest biospheres on Earth, according to a new study led by a University of Guelph researcher.

David Gabric (Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management, 2006) started working at golf courses while studying history at U of G. After completing his undergraduate degree, he returned to U of G as a turfgrass management student to pursue his passion. After working in the golf course industry for several years, he now works as a horticulturalist. We recently chatted with him to learn more about his role and experience working at the Wascana Centre in Saskatchewan.

Livia Sente, a graduate student in the Department of Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics (FARE), brings a unique perspective to her academic life, which stems from her interdisciplinary approach to looking at the ‘big picture’.

“I enjoy seeing the whole picture, asking the bigger questions, and getting involved with multiple areas instead of specialization,” she shares. “Specialization is undeniably valuable, but so is a better understanding of the bigger puzzle that we are looking at and how everything is interconnected.”

Bradley Howie completed an undergraduate degree in biochemistry at the University of Waterloo. U of G’s Master of Environmental Science (MES) course-based degree program was the perfect fit for Brad because it allows for independent research without being entirely thesis-based. Deciding to pursue environmental studies was an easy decision for Brad, who always enjoyed learning about nature in his free time. His current research revolves around exploring and incorporating Indigenous science philosophies. As a member of Nipissing First Nation, Brad’s ultimate end goal is to continue working in the field of Canadian Indigenous education.

To celebrate Food Day Canada, we're shining a light on Canadian cuisine. We asked experts in the Ontario Agricultural College, "What does food mean to you?" and to share some of their favourite recipes that highlight local ingredients that can be grown in Canada or found at a farmers' market.

Food Day Canada is a great opportunity to enjoy food, make food, and learn about food. Check out our featured experts and ingredients below.

Two new asparagus varieties developed at the University of Guelph and now available to growers are expected to further improve the asparagus industry in Ontario, building on a transformational variety introduced by U of G two decades ago.

When the Guelph Millennium asparagus variety was introduced to Ontario growers more than 20 years ago, it quickly became a game-changer.

Michael Smith is the Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming (GCUOF) farm coordinator. We chatted with him to learn more about what food means to him, his GCUOF experience and how we can all support local farmers' and locally grown food.

Three University of Guelph PhD candidates and one post-doctoral researcher will receive the Government of Canada’s most prestigious scholarships, worth $50,000 to $70,000 a year.

Tyler Black, Jude Frie and Eleonore Lebeuf-Taylor will receive Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. The awards recognize top Canadian and international doctoral students for academic excellence and research potential. The awards are named for former Governor General Georges Vanier and provide $50,000 per year for up to three years.

The “Future of Agri-Tech” in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the potential for Canadian collaboration was the focus of a two-day virtual forum hosted by the Canada Arab Business Council in June.  

The forum brought together agri-food and technology experts from Canada and the UAE. OAC Dean Rene Van Acker sat on a panel to discuss agri-tech research and education. Additional panelists included Dr. Charbel Tarraf from the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, Dr. Gil Ha Yoon from Sultan Qaboos University and Dr. Alex Melnitchouck from Olds College.