April 2025

Growing Ontario agri-food together: A collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph

Stories of the Alliance people, places and programs generating impact in the agri-food sector in Ontario and around the world. 

In this issue:

• Leadership updates
• KTT funding program: Call for proposals
• 2025 KTT Symposium: Register now!
• Research impact: Improving the value of dairy cows entering the beef market
• ICYMI: Event recaps and more
• Upcoming events
• Alliance people, places and programs in the media

The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance is a collaboration between the Government of Ontario, its agency Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario, and the University of Guelph. Since January's newsletter there have been several key leadership updates.

Premier Doug Ford unveils cabinet to protect Ontario

Ontario Newsroom, March 19, 2025

Ontario's new Executive Council includes Trevor Jones as the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.

U of G appoints Dr. John Cranfield Dean of Ontario Agricultural College

University of Guelph News, March 6, 2025

Dr. John Cranfield has been named the new Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). 

Ontario strengthens agricultural research and commercialization with new Chair appointment

Ontario Newsroom, January 17, 2025

The Ontario government is pleased to announce the appointment of Nevin McDougall as Chair of Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), effective January 18, 2025.

The Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Funding Program is designed to enable and enhance the positive impact of research. 

The Alliance invites project proposals in the following funding streams: 

• KTT Research Funding supports projects that advance the science of knowledge translation and transfer in Ontario’s agri-food and rural sectors. 
• KTT Mobilization Funding supports the delivery of activities, products or services that drive knowledge into action and get research into practice for the benefit of Ontario and Ontarians. 

All projects, regardless of stream, must relate to an established OMAFA research priority and support Ontario’s agri-food and/or rural sectors.

Projects will be adjudicated through a one-step review process. Full proposals are due by 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Visit the KTT Funding Program webpage for further information about this call and OMAFA research priorities.

The annual Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Symposium, led by the University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness is back in Spring 2025 with a focus on being a trusted voice in the agri-food community. 

Every year, this symposium brings together participants from government, academia, industry and regional communities to support networking and capacity development in the agri-food KTT community, and to learn more about ongoing KTT projects funded by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.

Join us on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Arboretum at the University of Guelph or online to:

• Learn how to earn the confidence of industry and end-users through communication and KTT skills.
• Build practical skills with tips and tools on how to create an infographic-style poster.
• Hear from Alliance-funded researchers about effective and innovative KTT for the future.
• Network with colleagues from across government, academia and industry who are working to enhance outcomes in the agri-food sector through innovative KTT strategies.

Highlights from events that are making an impact.

A selection of Alliance people, places and programs cited in popular and trade media.

NPR consults U of G food economist on egg prices (Mar. 17, U of G News)

Dr. Mike von Massow, professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, spoke to NPR and appeared on the Weekend Edition Sunday to talk about egg prices in the U.S. and why they’re more affordable in Canada.

Dr. Terri O'Sullivan honoured with 2025 Meritorious Service Award (Mar. 7, OVC News)

The award recognizes her outstanding contributions to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). This prestigious award highlights individuals who have provided exceptional service to the AASV and the swine veterinary profession.

New weed science professor set to drive innovation at the Ridgetown Campus (Mar. 7, OAC News)

The University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Isabelle Aicklen as the new Ontario Bean Growers Professor in Weed Management. 

U of G ranked among top universities in world for reputation (Feb. 18, U of G News)

The University of Guelph placed 201-300 worldwide in the rankings and tied for ninth among Canadian institutions. This is the first time U of G has been included in THE World Reputation Rankings.

Tomato breeder travels the world to evaluate her creations (Jan. 22, Branford Expositor)

Kelsie MacLellan breeds new tomato varieties for commercialization for HeinzSeed, based out of Leamington, Ont. When she was a student at the University of Guelph, she spent summers working at the Ontario Crops Research Centre in Simcoe, which has been strengthening the fruit and vegetable industries for more than 60 years.

U of G receives over $16M to lead national agri-food innovation and training platform (Jan. 15, U of G News)

A new network led by the University of Guelph, in collaboration with key national partners, will create an agri-food innovation and entrepreneurship training platform that aims to make Canada the global leader in developing agri-food innovation.

U of G researchers lauded for innovative kidney beans (Jan. 23, Woolwich Observer and Penticton Herald) The University of Guelph marks a Dynasty, a dark red kidney bean breed that was developed by researchers there and named Innovation of the Year by the University. Department of Plant Agriculture professor, Dr. Peter Pauls, developed Dynasty with research technician Tom Smith at the Ontario Crops Research Centre in Elora.



Comments? Feedback? Events or content to include? Email kttadmin@uoguelph.ca.

This newsletter is produced by the University's Office of Research. The views expressed are the views of the University and do not necessarily reflect those of OMAFA. Questions regarding the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance can be addressed to omafrago@uoguelph.ca.