To provide priority and direction for research activities that will contribute to prosperous, competitive and sustainable agriculture, food and rural sectors in Ontario.

What is the ARIO?

The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario is a corporate body reporting directly to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. It was created by the ARIO Act (in 1962) with the following specific duties: 

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The Institute meets several times a year: 

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Values

The Institute members are committed to:

• excellence and innovation in agri-food and rural research
• relevance of research to needs of industry and society
• efficient, well informed decision making
• ethical research practices

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Strategic Directions

Financing and Funding

The sources of research funding, from both the public and private sector, are becoming increasingly diverse. To further complicate the situation, many of these funds are not specifically targeted at the agri-food sector and/or have funding criteria which require partnering or other leveraging action. Creating and coordinating a stable funding base from a large number and variety of public and private sources is viewed as critical to the future of agri-food and rural research.

Food and Health

There is an increasing awareness of the association between food and health. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the health benefits of certain foods and food constituents. Opportunities exist for Ontario producers and processors to capitalize on this trend. ARIO wishes to encourage the funding of research and development programs that focus on health and food quality and safety along the entire market chain. For instance, production research should emphasize not only agronomic characteristics of new plant varieties but also the health promoting and processing quality parameters. Biotechnology offers the ability to enhance the desired traits. On the other hand, new processing technologies will be needed which preserve the beneficial health properties of the raw material.

Markets and Trade

Ontario enjoys a reputation for high quality, safe, environmentally responsible products. In order to remain competitive, Ontario's producers and processors must ensure that their products will not encounter barriers to trade imposed because of concerns about safety or environmental problems. ARIO encourages a focus on value-added, high quality products that can be produced and marketed in a manner that meets or exceeds all international standards.

Environment

Ontario's reputation for a pristine environment gives us a competitive advantage in the international marketplace. Long term solutions are needed if environmental sustainability is to be attained. ARIO encourages research activities which will enhance Ontario's environmental sustainability. All research work should be designed and carried out within a framework of environmental responsibility and the results of such research assessed as to its environmental impact.

Balance of Basic and Applied Research

The myriad of current problems facing the agri-food and rural sectors tend to drive funding toward short term solutions at the expense of longer term needs. While the immediate concerns need to be solved, it is recognized that true progress and sustainability for the industry and rural communities depend on investment in the future. ARIO will work toward a balance between the discovery of fundamental knowledge and turning it to practical use.

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Membership of the Agricultural
Research Institute of Ontario

February 2008

Dr. Larry Milligan, Acting Chair

Ms. Karen Chan, Director of Research

Mr. Cole Cacciavillani
Mr. Doug Cleary
Dr. Alma Conn
Mr. Stewart Cressman
Mr. Greg Hannam
Dr. Tom Sanderson
Dr. Gordon Surgeoner
Ms. Phyllis Tanaka
Mr. Larry Skinner
Dr. Moni Eino

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Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Staff in Support of ARIO

Karen Chan
Director of Research
Rob Cunnington
Comptroller
Oswald Zachariah
Manager, Innovation

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For More Information?

For further information on the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario or agricultural research in Ontario, please contact the Office of the Director of Research and Innovation:
Dr. Gwen Zellen, Director
Research and Innovation Branch
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Rd. W., Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2
Telephone: (519)826-4554 Facsimile: (519)826-4211

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