For release: September 14, 2004

Ontario Government Gives Agri-Food Sector Competitive Edge

WOODSTOCK - The McGuinty government will upgrade or replace aging infrastructure at 18 agricultural facilities across the province to ensure the agri-food sector retains its competitive edge, Minister of Agriculture and Food Steve Peters announced today.

"As part of our government's commitment to building stronger communities, we are investing in the research, education and laboratory infrastructure of Ontario," said Peters. "This investment is an important step in correcting the decade of neglect that has weakened this very important infrastructure."

The $4.6 million investment will be used to upgrade food quality and safety laboratories, enhance animal care facilities, and make additional improvements at 17 education and research facilities across the province. The funding is in addition to the $2.5 million contribution to the Rural Development Centre at Ridgetown College.

"By providing the agri-food sector with the tools it needs to grow, we enhance the quality of life in all our rural communities," Peters said.

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Media Contact:
Mary Devorski
Minister's Office
(416) 326-3077

Program Contact:
Maurice Bitran
Research and Corporate Services
(519) 826-4172

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BACKGROUNDER

HIGHLIGHTS OF INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

The Ontario government is investing $4.6 million to upgrade the education, research and laboratory infrastructure at 14 agricultural research stations, the Food Quality and Safety Laboratory and three agricultural colleges across the province. Specific initiatives include:

Improvements to Facilities at Agricultural Colleges and Research Stations
In 2004-2005, the ministry will direct $1 million towards deferred maintenance projects to upgrade and repair critical infrastructure. A variety of projects including improvements to feeding systems, health and safety upgrades such as eye-wash stations and safety showers, irrigation projects and fencing repairs will be implemented at 18 sites across Ontario.

Upgrades at Food Quality and Safety Lab
The ministry will upgrade the ventilation system at the Food Quality and Safety Laboratory in Guelph with a $1.85 million investment. Upgrades to the existing system, based on an engineering study conducted in 2001, will address concerns such as the provision of fresh air and containment of fumes and contaminants.

Animal Care Upgrades
OMAF has identified a list of projects required to address animal care concerns at its animal research facilities across the province. The ministry will direct $1.12 million to projects that will improve caging systems, penning, security, ventilation and animal handling facilities.

Beef Feedlot Facility at Elora Research Station
The ministry provided $175,000 towards the state-of-the-art barn located at the University of Guelph, which includes a high-tech feeding system that is the first of its kind in North America.

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Contact:
Remo Pallottini
Service Management Branch
(519) 826-3162

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