The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario

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Author:	OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date:	03 September 2003
Last Reviewed:	9 February 2010

Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario

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

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:

to inquire into programs of research with respect to agriculture, veterinary medicine and consumer studies;
to select and recommend areas of research for the betterment of agriculture, veterinary medicine and consumer studies; and
to stimulate interest in research as a means of developing in Ontario a high degree of efficiency in the production and marketing of agricultural products

The Institute membership comprises farmers, agribusiness and rural partners, researchers, reflecting the broad based nature of Ontario's agri-tech industry.

Up to 15 members plus one ex-officio, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are appointed by the Ministerof Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs who also appoints the Director of Research from the Ministry.

The Ministry provides a complement of staff to assist in ARIO's operations.

The Institute meets several times a year:

to review the objectives and results of research programs that the Ministry funds at universities, colleges, research institutions and in agri-business;
to advise the Minister on the need to expand or reduce research levels in certain programs or subject areas;
to make recommendations to the Minister on the physical, human and financial resources needed to continue agriculture and food research in Ontario at an effective level.

ARIO achieves its mission by evaluating, selecting and stimulating interest in research.

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

Membership Of ARIO - Sept 2009

Mr. Stewart Cressman - Chair

Dr. Larry Milligan - Vice Chair

Dr. Rebecca Baker

Dr. Om Dangi

Dr. Moni Eino

Mr. Greg Hannam

Mr. Paul Henderson

Ms. Elizabeth Johnston

Mr. Larry Skinner

Dr. Gordon Surgeoner

Mr. Ezio Di Emanuele (ex-officio)

OMAFRA Secretariat of ARIO

Karen Chan
Director of Research
Catherine Vidakovic
Comptroller
Wilma Macfarlane,
Research Liaison, ARIO

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:

Wilma Macfarlane, Research Liaison, ARIO
Research and Innovation Branch
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Rd. W., Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2
Telephone: (519)826-4198 Facsimile: (519)826-4211

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-888-466-2372 ext. 64554
Local: (519) 826-4554
E-mail: research.omafra@ontario.ca