Province Investing $7 Million to Protect Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector
New funding will help Ontario’s agri-food sector access modern farming solutions to stay competitive and resilient in the global market
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.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love