OMAFRA-University of Guelph Partnership 2008-2018

For 125 years, the University of Guelph and the Ontario government have worked together to support and help shape the future of the province's agri-food industry and rural communities. The partnership's legacy of innovation has meant for Ontarians:

• Strong rural communities
• A thriving agriculture and food sector
• Safe food, healthy animals and a healthy environment

On April 28, 2008, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the University of Guelph renewed this partnership for a ten year period (2008-2018). The partnership will be reviewed in 2012.

The University will receive over $350 million between 2008 and 2013 for its agri-food and rural research programs, laboratory services and veterinary clinical education program.

The agri-food and rural research program comprises a process for setting research priorities and for exchanging information.

The partnership launched the Agri-Food and Rural Link, a new funding program for knowledge translation and transfer (KTT), in May 2010.

Agri-food and rural research programs

Research funded through the partnership is at the heart of a dynamic agri-food innovation sector made up of thousands of farms, farm service providers, agricultural technology/biological companies and research facilities. DHA milk and Omega-3 eggs available in our supermarkets are examples of new, healthy products which were developed through this research. More

How are priorities developed for this research?

The ministry uses the OMAFRA Research Advisory Network (ORAN) to develop priorities for all OMAFRA-funded research. The Network comprises personnel from a broad range of sectors. The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) determines the general direction of the research. Expert Panels meet every 5 years to develop strategic, long term priorities. Theme Advisory Groups meet yearly to discuss current and emerging issues. More

How do people learn about this research?

People learn about OMAFRA-funded research through an information exchange process called Knowledge Translation and Transfer(KTT). Researchers who receive funding from the ministry have KTT plans which allow them to apply their results in practical ways that benefit Ontario. More

Agri-Food and Rural Link KTT program

The Agri-Food and Rural Link is a funding program for knowledge translation and transfer (KTT). Faculty and professional staff at the University of Guelph and OMAFRA staff can apply. The program is issuing three calls in 2010/11. More

Laboratory services

Laboratory Services (LS) is a multi-faceted analytical and diagnostic laboratory which serves a broad range of agri-food and veterinary clients within government, commercial and academic sectors on a fee-for-service basis. Two units are funded through the partnership: the Animal Health Laboratory and the Agriculture and Food Laboratory. More

Veterinary Clinical Education Program

The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) has been a world leader in veterinary health care, teaching and research since 1862. OMAFRA supports the college's clinical education program and the referral veterinary teaching hospital. As part of their training, students work closely with clinical faculty who provide a wide array of services to food animal, equine and companion animals in Ontario. More

More about the partnership

• About the partnership on the University of Guelph website
• How is OMAFRA-funded research working for you?
• OMAFRA research stations and animal facilities
• Harnessing nature's medicine - 2010 Agri-Food Yearbook
• The Buzz - an electronic newsletter about the partnership
• SPARK Air- videos produced by Students Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge
• Impact of University of Guelph/OMAFRA Partnership - Deloitte & Touche December 2007 Study