Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO)

Mission Statement

"ARIO, as appointed representatives of the agri-food sector,
are dedicated to the strategic use of science and innovation to enhance
the sustainability and profitability of Ontario's agri-food and rural sectors"

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What is ARIO?

The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario is a corporate body which reports directly to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. It was created in 1962 by the ARIO Act to:

  • advocate areas of research for the betterment of agriculture, veterinary medicine and consumer studies
  • increase the production efficiency and marketing of agricultural products by stimulating interest in research.

What does ARIO do?

Provides strategic advice, advocacy and leadership

The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario provides advice to the Minister on strategic directions for research activities that contribute to prosperous, competitive and sustainable agricultural and food sectors and rural communities in Ontario. ARIO is also an advocate for the future of OMAFRA's research system.

The Institute provided the foundation for, and is a key component of, the OMAFRA Research Advisory Network (ORAN). The Network identifies priorities for OMAFRA funded research and guides research program development.

Research property management

Research stations and infrastructure are an important platform for conducting agri-food research. ARIO owns 14 research stations and 3 agricultural colleges located across Ontario. These facilities provide the capacity for research on a wide variety of agri-food issues. An ARIO-led reinvestment strategy is currently being implemented to revitalize research infrastructure to support demand-driven research. More about the properties

Who is on ARIO?

Administrator

The ARIO Director of Research administers the business and affairs of ARIO and is appointed to the position by the minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Appointed members

ARIO is comprised of up to 15 members who reflect the broad based nature of Ontario's agri-tech industry such as:

  • farmers
  • agribusiness and rural partners
  • researchers

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

Ex-officio

A director from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada serves as ex-officio to ARIO. He or she gives ARIO a federal perspective about research activities across Canada.

2010-2011 Members

Member
Appointment Date
 Expiry Date
Mr. Stewart Cressman (Chair) August 31, 2005 November 14, 2011
Dr. Larry Milligan (Vice-Chair) July 13, 2007 July 13, 2013
Dr. Rebecca Baker October 26, 2009 October 25, 2012
Dr. Om Dangi December 1, 2008 November 30, 2011
Dr. Moni Eino July 17, 2007 December 23, 2011
Mr. Greg Hannam December 14, 2004 May 29, 2011
Mr. Paul Henderson December 23, 2008 December 22, 2011
Ms. Elizabeth Johnston September 22, 2009 September 21, 2012
Mr. Larry Skinner November 15, 2006 November 14, 2012
Dr. Gord Surgeoner June 2, 2005 November 14, 2011
Mr. Ezio DiEmanuele (ex officio) February 1, 2005  

Annual Reports

All government agencies, boards and commissions must publish reports which highlight their activities for a given year. ARIO's reports for the following years are available on the web:

  • 2010-11 report now available

Please contact Wilma Macfarlane, ARIO liaison (519-826-4198), to obtain a copy of the 2010-11 or earlier reports.

Who provides secretariat services to ARIO?

The Research and Innovation Branch of the ministry provides secretariat support to ARIO and administers research programs on behalf of ARIO. The following staff play a key role:

Role Name Phone Number
ARIO Director of Research Karen Chan
519-826-6599
Director, Research and Innovation Branch Michael Toombs
519-826-4172
ARIO Research Liaison

Wilma Macfarlane
519-826-4198
Comptroller Rob Cunnington
519-826-4168
Research and Intellectual Property Agreements Sharon Gerrie
519-826-4197
Research Facilities, Property Management Paul Brine
519-826-4162
Manager, Finance, Infrastructure and Administration Jeff Schieck
519-826-4187
Manager, Research Program Coordination Stacy Favrin
519-826-4248

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-888-466-2372 ext. 64554
Local: (519) 826-4554
E-mail: research.omafra@ontario.ca
Author: Daphne Tot, Research Analyst - Corporate Projects/RIB
Creation Date: 03 September 2003
Last Reviewed: 11 May 2012