Research Funded through the OMAFRA-University of Guelph Partnership (2008-2018)

Partnership research is at the heart of a dynamic, agri-food innovation sector made up of thousands of farms, farm service providers, agricultural technology and biological companies and research facilities. DHA milk and Omega-3 eggs available at our supermarkets are examples of new, healthy products which were developed through research funded through the Partnership. The Guelph agri-food research and innovation cluster contributes 6000 jobs to Ontario's economy.

Research Themes

The research is divided into the following seven theme areas which were adopted by OMAFRA's Minister on the recommendation of the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario:

• Agricultural and Rural Policy
• Bioeconomy-Industrial Uses
• Emergency Management
• Environmental Sustainability
• Food for Health
• Product Development and Enhancement Through Value Chains
• Production Systems

Agricultural and Rural Policy

Agricultural and Rural Policy is divided into two sections:

• Agricultural Policy deals with policy issues relating to farming: government regulations and their impact on farmers and rural communities, farm program analysis, farm management challenges, agricultural trade and marketing, agricultural business and finance, promotion of innovation, and agriculture in economic development.
• Rural Policy deals with the rural/urban interface, rural economic development, rural infrastructure, community capacity, and labour market, promotion of innovation, and rural quality of life and challenges.
  

Bioeconomy-Industrial Uses

The Bioeconomy -Industrial Uses Research Theme encompasses three major areas of focus, all of which involve use of agriculturally-derived biomass to produce some type of bioproduct. The three major product categories are: biomaterials, bioenergy and biochemicals. Biopharmaceuticals are included here although functional foods and nutraceuticals are considered under the Food for Health theme.

Emergency Management

The Emergency Management Research Theme deals with issues about veterinary zoonoses and public health, foreign animal disease, food safety, plant and animal disease epidemiology and surveillance, risk management, and related emerging issues.

Environmental Sustainability

The Environmental Sustainability Research Theme focuses on maintaining the ability of natural resources (soil, air, water and biodiversity) to support and strengthen agriculture, food and bioproduct sectors and rural communities. Sustainability refers to the achievement of an economic, environmental and social state which can be maintained indefinitely.

Food for Health

The Food for Health Research Theme encompasses both health and wellness including cosmetics, biopharmaceuticals, functional foods and nutraceuticals, global demand and the development of new or expanded markets, and the potential for economic diversification and opportunities for increased employment in rural Ontario.

Product Development and Enhancement Through Value Chains

The Product Development and Enhancement Through Value Chains Research Theme encompasses food product development and enhancement, the utilization of waste streams, market analysis and consumer behaviour, the increased demand for and extraction of high value functional ingredients, traceability technologies, and quality & safety assured supply chains.

Production Systems

The Production Systems Research Theme encompasses issues surrounding sustainable agriculture under both plant and animal sectors. Areas of focus under this theme include genetic improvement, precision farming, pest management, biosecurity, societal challenges, adaptive research (Ontario's soil and climate conditions) and capturing value from agricultural products.