What's New
Renewed U of G, OMAFRA Partnership Boosts Agri-Food Research and Education
April 28, 2008
The University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) have renewed and improved their partnership. The $300-million agreement announced today will further innovative research and education in agri-food, environmental sustainability, and animal and human health.
"This significant and strategic investment is indicative of the forward-thinking innovation strategy of the provincial government," said University of Guelph president Alastair Summerlee. "The increased commitment will allow the partnership to generate even more than the $1 billion it have been returning every year for the past 10- years."
The $300 million covers the first half of the 10-year contract, with a review after five years. This is in addition to the $56 million in one-time funding that was allocated to U of G in the 2008 Ontario budget.
"This renewed partnership gets to the heart of what the future of our agri-food sector is all about: research and innovation to better protect our health, economy and environment," said Leona Dombrosky, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs.
Agriculture is Ontario's second-largest industry, contributing $30 billion to the province's economy and employing more than 700,000 people. The sector is also evolving, and the University will explore new research areas, including sustainable food production, environmental sustainability and the bio-economy.
