The provincial government is investing up to $713 million toward a unique partnership between the University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
The goal is to further discovery and innovation, and position Canada as a world leader in agri-food.
The OMAFRA-U of G partnership brings together academia, government and industry to support and enhance Ontario’s agri-food sector through cutting-edge research and innovation. This includes new advances in artificial intelligence, big data analytics and precision agriculture.
U of G and OMAFRA first established an enhanced partnership agreement in 1997; it was renewed for 10 years in 2008. The new 10-year agreement will take effect April 1.
Under the new agreement, the University manages research and innovation programs and related facilities, including the Ridgetown Campus, the Agriculture and Food Laboratory program, the Animal Health Laboratory program, and 20 research stations and centres. The partnership also supports knowledge mobilization and commercialization.