By Rachel Fioret, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Woolwich Observer
The program’s role is to support the development of new technologies for farmers, food processors and agri-businesses that will enhance their competitiveness and growth.
Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) between Ontario and Canada, the new intake will support investments in the applied research, pilot and demonstration, and knowledge translation and transfer streams.
The research covers a wide range, from food safety to sustainable production systems and plant health and protection.
Prof. Tracy Burnett at the University of Guelph Ridgetown College, for instance, is leading a study to better understand housing improvement options for management within the province’s goat sector.
Guelph Prof. Amar Mohanty heads a project to create soil biodegradable meat packaging.
Another research project at the University of Guelph is led by Prof. Eduardo De Souza Ribeiro, focusing on finding a health path to improve dairy sustainability, to enhance the welfare of transition dairy cows in Canada.
“The general objectives of the proposed project are to create methods for streamlined assessment of transition management quality, and to help dairy farmers make data-driven decisions to enhance cow health and welfare, and improve dairy production sustainability,” De Souza Ribeiro explained.
“One of the current challenges for improving the health of transition cows is the lack of standardized measurements of cow health and transition management adequacy across the entire industry,” he said. “Our project will allow farmers to continuously monitor their transition cow management efficiency and to make data-driven decisions to prevent future problems and minimize the consequences of the current ones.”
De Souza Ribeiro added that “by improving transition cows’ health and welfare, the proposed project will also promote higher milk yields, better reproduction, and longevity of cows, thus promoting all components of dairy sustainability and the competitiveness of Canadian dairy herds.”
That research project is one example of the ongoing studies expected to contribute to the greater agri-food sector. Each of the research projects create opportunities to find solutions and innovative approaches to the agri-food sector across the province, say the federal and provincial agricultural ministries.
“Ontario’s agri-food sector plays a vital role in bringing innovative, top-quality food to Canadians,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in a statement announcing the new funding. “With support under Sustainable CAP, research projects funded through the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative will help the sector stay on the cutting-edge, access the resources they need, and gain new market opportunities for their products.”
“Our farmers and food processors must continue to innovate to compete. Our investment in OAFRI will supercharge their innovation efforts,” added 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.”
Be the first to comment