The Ontario government is investing over $41 million over the next four years to build and revitalize Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) infrastructure. This funding is aimed at strengthening Ontario-led innovation, providing farmers with access to advanced solutions, and helping the province’s agri-food sector remain resilient and competitive in the global market. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to protect Ontario’s agri-food industry and support economic growth.
As part of the investment, an additional $10.5 million has been allocated to the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre at the Elora Research Station. This facility will support Ontario’s 1,200 chicken and turkey producers and 432 egg farmers by enhancing research on animal welfare, reproduction, and meat quality and safety. Combined with a previous $13.5 million commitment, the total provincial contribution now reaches $24 million.
Other ARIO facilities will also benefit from funding, including a $15.5 million investment in the Ontario Feed Innovation Centre at Elora for micro-scale nutritional research across swine, poultry, small ruminants, and aquaculture. Additionally, repairs and upgrades will be carried out at other properties, such as the Dairy Education Centre at the Ridgetown campus, ensuring continued research and innovation for farmers and agribusinesses throughout Ontario.
ARIO manages the province’s network of strategic agri-food research infrastructure, consisting of 14 research station properties spanning 5,600 acres and over 200 buildings. These facilities focus on research in areas such as field crops, livestock, greenhouse production, horticulture, aquaculture, and soil health, translating scientific findings into practical solutions for the agri-food sector.
The investment supports the goals of Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy by promoting adoption of new technologies and practices, strengthening the province’s position as a global leader in agriculture. The University of Guelph operates 13 ARIO centres through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, and ARIO, while Vineland Research and Innovation Centre manages the remaining property. Collectively, the alliance supports over 1,500 jobs and contributes $1.4 billion annually to Ontario’s GDP.
Stakeholders praised the investment, highlighting the benefits for research capacity, industry innovation, and sector sustainability. Leaders from ARIO, the University of Guelph, and key industry organizations emphasized that this funding will help Ontario’s agri-food sector remain productive, competitive, and globally recognized for its innovation.
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