Research and Innovation Projects Will Reinforce Long-Term Resilience and Economic Growth
September 10, 2024
BEAMSVILLE – The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing an additional $3.5 million in the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative to support the development and adoption of new technologies for farmers, food processors and agri-businesses that will enhance their competitiveness and growth. Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership between Ontario and Canada, this additional intake will support investments in the applied research, pilot and demonstration, and knowledge translation and transfer streams. The Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub, which provides advisory services to agri-food companies, will continue to be available.
"This additional intake will support innovation and research across a wide range of diverse commodity groups across Niagara and the province," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
"Adapting new technologies on farms and at food processing sites is key to the success of our local agri-food sector."
"Our farmers and food processors must continue to innovate to compete. Our investment in the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative will supercharge their innovation efforts," said Hon. Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
"The return on investment from these research projects will ensure our agrifood sector reaches its full potential through new growth, new jobs and new economic opportunities."
Over 100 research and innovation projects and activities have received funding through the latest intake, which includes sixty-seven applied research and pilot and demonstration projects and ten commercialization projects. More than thirty businesses are also receiving specialized expert mentoring through the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub.
Current local research and innovation projects funded through the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative include applied research projects at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Vineland Station, Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute at Brock University in St. Catharines and Ontario Grape and Wine Research group.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared sixty percent federally and forty percent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Quick Facts
The next Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative applied research, pilot and demonstration and Knowledge Translation and Transfer streams will open on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The applied research and pilot and demonstration streams are expected to be further targeted compared to the earlier intake. More information will be available on the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative website.
Bioenterprise Canada Corporation delivers the Commercialization stream and the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub. The Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub is open on a continuous basis until all spots are filled. The next Commercialization stream intake will open on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
- Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario provides strategic advice on research and innovation activities that contribute to a prosperous, competitive and sustainable agricultural and food sector.
Additional Resources