Partners for Progress

People in Ontario and around the world are better off as a result of the strong partnership between the University of Guelph and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs with:

• Safer and higher-quality food
• A cleaner environment
• Better protection from plant and animal disease
• Industry profitability and growth
• Stronger rural communities.

This partnership was renewed in 2008, meaning the significant progress made in recent decades will continue well into the future.

Industry profitability. Currently, agri-food contributes $30 billion every year to the Ontario economy and employs more than 700,000 people. A key to moving forward is the innovation sparked by the unique partnership between the University fo Guelph and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Value for money. An Ontario government investment of $54 million for research, laboratories and education has leveraged more than $1 billion in returns annually between 1996 and 2007.

Building business. The commercialization of research breakthroughs generated by the partnership means better bottom lines and jobs in the agri-food industry. For example, there is now a thriving, $650 million soybean market in Ontario built on 25 years of research into better production, yields and innovative uses.

Safe food. Laboratory testing by highly skilled scientists and staff at the University of Guelph helps ensure the safety of the food supply, our health and Ontario's reputation in global markets.

Clean environment. Close to 33,000 Ontario farmers have taken part in environmental farm plan workshops. The voluntary program helps farmers identify potential hazards on the farm, and then work to prevent them. It is supported by research through the partnership.

Disease control/prevention. BSE, Foot and Mouth, Avian Influenza - the effects of these diseases are well-known here at home and abroad. The University of Guelph has developed the capacity to detect these diseases and handle large volumes of tests.

Top-notch veterinarians. University of Guelph training produces some of the best medical care for animals, which also helps protect people's health.

Research results. Researchers partner with industry and others to benefit society: Omega-3 eggs, DHA milk, improved livestock genetics and reduced pesticide and herbicide use to protect the environment and farmers' investments.

Improved farming. New, hardier crop varieties and the latest production techniques improve farmers' profitability and Ontario's food choices. Higher crop yields have resulted in a huge increase in productivity per hectare.

Forward momentum. Tremendous opportunities are opening up for food designed to improve health, car parts made from plants, alternative energy, and preventing animal and human diseases.

Agri-food excellence. In 2007, the University of Guelph was ranked the #1 comprehensive research institution in Canada. It was also ranked #7 worldwide for its impact on agricultural sciences, the only Canadian university among the top 25 institutions cited.

Serving Ontario. The partnership is at the heart of a dynamic agri-food innovation cluster, made up of 60 agricultural technology/biological companies and 24 research facilities, contributing to 6,000 jobs or 10 per cent of the City of Guelph's workforce. It also depends on a network of 4 campuses and 14 research stations across the province.

More information on the partnership can be obtained at:

www.ontario.ca/omafra
www.uoguelph.ca