For release: December 15, 2005

NEW CHAIR OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF ONTARIO

GUELPH - The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) is pleased to announce that Murray Porteous, a member of the Board of the Institute, has accepted the position of Chair.

Mr. Porteous graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Agricultural Business. A fruit and vegetable grower in Norfolk county, Mr. Porteous is equally knowledgeable about many sectors of agriculture including dairy, poultry, beef, swine, cash crop, agricultural chemical, and animal health.

He also brings a wealth of experience in agri-food research and related policy, having served as Chair of the Agricultural Adaptation Council and the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association. He is currently the Chair of the Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council.

ARIO, a crown agency established in 1962, is composed of 15 representatives from Ontario's agri-food sector. The mandate of the Institute is to further the research and development and innovation agenda of the sector through advice to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Mr. Porteous replaces outgoing Chair Ginty Jocius. During his tenure, Mr. Jocius oversaw a number of significant initiatives, including the development of the Strategic Options Paper and 16 recommendations to the Minister including the transfer of ownership of research and education infrastructure from the Ontario government to ARIO.

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Contacts:
Phil Malcolmson
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
(519) 826-4167