Ontario and the University of Guelph have entered a new 10-year agreement worth $713 million to support growth and competitiveness of Ontario’s agri-food sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal was joined by University of Guelph president Dr. Franco Vaccarino, in Guelph on Feb. 12 to sign the agreement and mark Canada’s Agriculture Day.
The new agreement builds on a long-standing collaboration spanning more than 100 years and will strengthen Ontario’s leadership in agri-food research and innovation, food safety and the protection of plant, animal and human health, officials state.
“The research made possible through our partnership will help ensure the sector and our rural communities remain vibrant while positioning our province as a global leader in research and innovation,” said Leal.
“Thanks to our investments, these highly skilled students are boosting their competitive edge while paving the way for the continued growth of our agri-food sector.”
The agreement will also equip undergraduate and graduate students with the skills they need to become the next generation of researchers, innovators and policy-makers in Ontario’s growing agri-food sector.
“Scientific research is critical to developing innovations that benefit people, animals and the environment, from safer food to improved health to healthier ecosystems. Agri-food innovation also attracts investment and highly skilled talent, helping create jobs and strong communities,” Vaccarino.
“The OMAFRA/U of G partnership has helped position Ontario and Guelph as the epicentre of agricultural research and innovation in Canada.”
For 125 years, OMAFRA and University of Guelph have partnered to foster innovation and generate results to support and help shape the future of the province’s agri-food industry and rural communities.
