July 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:

• Province Powering U of G Research with $5.4 Million
• Dr. Rene Van Acker Appointed U of G President
• Feeding the Future of Profitable Poultry Production
• Cultivating Innovation: How Academic-Private Partnerships Are De-Risking Agri-Tech for Ontario Farmers
• U of G Researchers: Call for Tier 1 Proposals
• Upcoming Events
• Alliance People, Places and Programs in the Media

A strong local food supply that protects farmers, the environment and the supply chain: that’s the goal of $5.4 million in provincial funding for 28 University of Guelph research projects. 

The investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the University of Guelph, the Government of Ontario and its agency Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO).

The Alliance cultivates an agri-food research and innovation ecosystem that enables U of G experts to develop new technology, collaborate with industry and train a highly qualified future workforce. 

Dr. Rene Van Acker, a world-renowned scholar and leader deeply rooted in the University of Guelph community, has been appointed U of G’s 10th president and vice-chancellor. 

Van Acker brings 30 years of experience in academia, including senior leadership roles such as chair of the Department of Plant Agriculture, dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), and vice-president (research and innovation).

Van Acker says he is assuming the role at a time when U of G is on a “pathway to becoming a top-tier university” — not just in Canada, but around the world.

“I want to inspire the University community as we navigate this bold new chapter. This moment calls for us to transform how we think and what we imagine is possible.”

As Canadian consumers continue to choose poultry as a dietary protein source, University of Guelph researcher Dr. Elijah Kiarie helps Ontario poultry farmers produce birds that are healthy and feed-efficient and raised in a more sustainable way.

Dr. Elijah Kiarie

A conversation at the University of Guelph’s Sustainable Agri-Food Futures Event turned into an academic-industry collaboration that demonstrates the value of a new sustainable technology for Ontario cash croppers.

The venture between University of Guelph researcher Dr. Joshua Nasielski and Ontario-based ag-tech company Susterre Technologies Inc. was facilitated by the University’s Research Innovation Office. It’s a compelling example of how academic-private partnerships can drive innovation while reducing risk for farmers.

Dr. Joshua Nasielski

The Alliance Program for Research and Innovation funds research projects that support strong rural communities, keep our food safe, and help develop a prosperous, environmentally sustainable agri-food sector in Ontario.

The single-stage call for proposals for project operating funding is open until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, with an intent process deadline of Wednesday, August 6.

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

Over $16.3M in Federal Funding to Advance Cybersecurity, Sustainability, Social Justice and Health (July 9, U of G News)

Researchers at the University of Guelph have been awarded over $16.3 million in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR).

Research from University of Guelph Recognized at Global Dairy Science Conference (July 7, Farmtario)

Dairy at Guelph had a strong showing at the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) annual meeting with students and faculty winning numerous awards.

Greenhouse Farming Emerging as Urban Food Solution (July 2, U of G News)

U of G researcher Dr. Youbin Zheng and his team recently advanced to the third and final phase of the Homegrown Innovation Challenge, where they’re working to scale a hybrid greenhouse-vertical farming system powered by AI and smart sensor technology to grow strawberries year-round. 

Saputo Dairy Welfare Program Hits 10 Years (June 30, Farmtario)

Saputo is making another investment in the dairy welfare program it initiated a decade ago at U of G. Former Alliance tour guide Anne Schwanke is the new, full time Saputo Dairy Care Program Manager.

OPINION: Why Canada Should Guard the World’s AI, Not Race to Build It (June 24, Financial Post)

U of G researcher Dr. Ali Dehghantanha, Canadian Cybersecurity Network, writes an opinion piece on how a security-first playbook can turn Canada into the world’s AI safety moat.

Building More Inclusive Agricultural Futures Through Networks of Care (June 23, U of G News)

U of G Master’s student Francis Jabile’s research improves support for queer and racialized farmers.

Ridgetown Researcher Dr. Peter Sikkema Named to Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame (June 19, U of G OAC)

The renowned weed scientist and long-time Alliance researcher, based out of the University of Guelph's Ridgetown Campus, has been named one of six 2025 inductees into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.

CAHRC and U of G Partner on Human Resource Training for Farm and Rural Businesses (June 6, Real Agriculture)

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has announced a partnership with the University of Guelph’s School of Continuing Studies to deliver practical, industry-informed human resources training tailored specifically to farm and rural business operations.

OAC Agri-Food Economics Grads Examine How Climate Change Impacts Farmland Values (May 21, U of G OAC)

Two recent graduates of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) have published their research in the Journal of Land Economics, exploring the impact that climate change might have on farmland values – the results are surprising.

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.