Investment in Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative Announced
The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced an investment of $3.5 million in the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI). This funding aims to support the development and adoption of new technologies for farmers, food processors, and agri-businesses. The investment is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), which is a five-year, $3.5 billion initiative involving federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
The funding will be allocated to various streams, including applied research, pilot and demonstration projects, and knowledge translation and transfer. The Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub (GOAH) will continue to provide advisory services to agri-food companies.
More than 100 research and innovation projects have already received funding through the latest intake, which includes 67 applied research and pilot projects and 10 commercialization projects. Additionally, over 30 businesses are receiving specialized mentoring through the GOAH.
Examples of projects funded include:
- A digital animal biosecurity product for swine and poultry farmers.
- Solutions for detecting contamination at food processing plants and large farms.
- A digital platform aimed at improving data management and communication for Ontario dairy farmers.
The next intake for OAFRI's applied research, pilot, and demonstration streams is scheduled to open on October 15, 2024. The Sustainable CAP aims to enhance the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors, with Ontario's share amounting to $569 million.