Ontario investing $41M to upgrade agri-food research facilities

Chickens at a poultry farm. Photographer: Lisa Marie David/Bloomberg

The Ontario government is investing more than $41 million over the next four years to build and upgrade infrastructure at Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) facilities across the province.

The funding, announced Tuesday, is part of the province’s plan to strengthen Ontario-led innovation and help farmers access research and technologies that support a safe and competitive agri-food sector.

“Our government is taking action to protect Ontario’s agri-food sector, and we are proud to support farmers and business owners,” said Trevor Jones, minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness, in a media release. “Through investments in research and innovation, we are ensuring farmers and business owners have the best solutions to remain competitive against tariffs and ensure families can continue to buy high-quality, Ontario-made food with pride.”

As part of the investment, Ontario will provide an additional $10.5 million toward the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre at the Elora Research Station, adding onto the previous $13.5 that was previously committed, bringing the province’s total contribution to $24 million. The new facility will support more than 1,600 poultry and egg producers through research on animal welfare, reproduction and meat quality and safety.

Another $15.5 million will go to the new Ontario Feed Innovation Centre, also located in Elora, which will provide nutritional research for swine, poultry, small ruminants and aquaculture. Additional repairs and upgrades are planned for other ARIO properties, including the Dairy Education Centre at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus.

“The University of Guelph is proud to partner with the province and the agri-food sector to lead the development of more than $200 million in research infrastructure over the past 15 years,” said Dr. Rene Van Acker, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Guelph. “As operators, stewards and primary users of these ARIO facilities, U of G puts this infrastructure to work for industry — supporting producers, serving agribusinesses, and driving innovation. This investment will continue to build resilience, improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and ensure Ontario’s agri-food sector remains a global leader.”

ARIO, a provincial agency, owns Ontario’s network of 14 agri-food research properties, with 5,600 acres and more than 200 buildings. The network supports research in field crops, livestock, horticulture, aquaculture and soil health, aiming to translate findings into practical solutions for farmers and agribusinesses.

The province said investing in agricultural research aligns with the goals of its Grow Ontario Strategy, which seeks to boost the sector’s resilience and global competitiveness.

The announcement coincides with Ontario Agriculture Week, which runs from October 6 to 12, celebrating farmers, processors and distributors who produce local food and beverages.