Province Investing $7 Million to Protect Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector

Press Release

May 26, 2026

New funding will help Ontario’s agri-food sector access modern farming solutions to stay competitive and resilient in the global market

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing up to $7 million through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance to support 34 made-in-Ontario research projects that turn innovative research into market-ready solutions for farmers and food processors. This initiative supports the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s agri-food workers and businesses by investing in innovative solutions that give farmers access to the tools and technologies needed to support modern farming and help the sector remain resilient and competitive in the global marketplace.

“Today’s investment will help Ontario farmers remain leaders in food production, delivering safe and high-quality local food to our communities and to markets around the world,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, we are ensuring farmers have access to the solutions and technologies to build a stronger, more competitive and resilient agri-food sector.”

This new funding is part of the province’s $47.5 million investment over seven years through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance’s research programming to support innovative, market-driven research across the agri-food sector.

The 2026 projects include:

Partnering with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation to develop restoration programs for the growth and survival of young Lake Whitefish.
Creating advanced satellite and machine-learning methods to map flooded areas and potential wetlands on farmland.
Developing prevention and management strategies to stop the loss of pepper crops
Helping farmers lower costs by developing nutrition and production management strategies for pig farming.

The Ontario Agri-food Innovation Alliance supports agri-food research and innovation projects through a competitive process on an annual basis. Today’s investment will work towards the province’s Grow Ontario Strategy goals of increasing agri-food innovation and adoption by working closely with food producers and research organizations.

Quick Facts

The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance is a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph (U of G), with agri-food research taking place at research centres owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO).
Ontario’s world-renowned research ecosystem includes 14 agri-food research properties owned by ARIO, which cover 5,600 acres and include over 220 buildings. These facilities allow Ontario researchers to conduct high-impact agri-food research on a wide variety of issues.
The eligible U of G researchers interested in applying for research project operating funding may do so through the next Alliance Tier 1 Research Program Call for Proposals which will be accepting applications early in June 2026.
The proposed Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026, if passed, will deliver on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by strengthening domestic food production and further protecting farmers and the quality of Ontario’s food system.

Quotes

“Ontario’s continued investment in the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance reflects the value of a long-standing partnership focused on strengthening the province’s agri-food sector through research, innovation and talent development. As Canada’s top-ranked university for agriculture and forestry, and veterinary sciences, and a globally recognized leader in both fields, the University of Guelph is proud to work alongside the province through a collaborative model that leverages every provincial dollar with additional U of G investment to advance research and discovery, support student success and employability, and deliver practical solutions that help drive resilience, growth and competitiveness across Ontario’s agri-food economy.”
– Dr. Rene Van Acker
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Guelph

“ARIO is pleased to provide the research infrastructure where research projects can move from concept to real-world application. By supporting the facilities, partnerships and environment needed for innovation, we’re helping ensure Ontario’s agri-food sector remains resilient, competitive, and positioned for long-term growth.”
– Nevin McDougall
Chair of the board for ARIO

“Now more than ever, it is critical that Ontario continues to leverage homegrown research to deliver real-world solutions that drive our agri-food sector. Through this investment, our government is ensuring that researchers from across the province, including at the University of Guelph, can continue making groundbreaking discoveries that keep Ontario on the cutting-edge of farming and agri-food innovation.”
– Nolan Quinn
Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security

Additional Resources

Media Contacts

Spencer Fair
Minister’s Office
Spencer.Fair@ontario.ca

Connie Osborne
Communications Branch
OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca
(519) 826-3145

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