June 2024

A collaboration between OMAFRA 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:

• U of G names new vice-president (research and innovation)
• Newest data access portal to fuel innovation
• Alliance leads conversation on artificial intelligence and the future of knowledge mobilization
• U of G Office of Research photo contest
• Upcoming events
• Alliance people, places and programs in the media

U of G has named Dr. Rene Van Acker its new vice-president (research and innovation). 

Previously titled vice-president (research), the word innovation has been added to the role to emphasize U of G’s strategic priority of driving innovation and institutional creativity.

Drs. Michelle Edwards, director of agri-food strategy and Lucas Alcantara, manager of research centre data at U of G

In collaboration with Agri-Food Data Canada (ADC), the Alliance launched a data portal for the Ontario Beef Research Centre. It is the newest addition to the growing suite of research centre data access portals that give researchers new, streamlined access to data while ensuring safe long-term storage to fuel future innovation.

Learn more about the features of the new Ontario Beef Research Centre Data Portal on the ADC website.

How can KTT practitioners leverage new artificial intelligence (AI) tools to amplify their work? That was the question addressed by two experts at the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance’s 2024 Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) symposium on April 30. 

The Alliance brought together nearly 200 attendees from government, academia, industry and the regional community to share and build skills for the future of KTT in agri-food, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

Discussion included how the future of KTT is:

• Customizable: AgPal Chat bot
• Practical: AI tools for KTT practitioners
• Responsible: Ethical AI use

The U of G Research in Focus photo contest is an opportunity for U of G faculty, staff, students and postdocs to showcase pictures of their research for a chance to win one of five cash prizes.

The contest is aimed at providing a way to share compelling research stories. 

The best photo with an agricultural theme will win $750.

Submissions are open until November 8, 2024.

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

Dr. Rene Van Acker appointed as U of G vice-president (research and innovation) (June 10, Farmtario)

Farmtario shares the appointment of Dr. Rene Van Acker as the University of Guelph’s new vice-president (research and innovation).

Delaying post-emerge weed control in corn can be costly (May 29, Real Agriculture)

Alliance-funded researcher Dr. Peter Sikkema speaks at an Ag Business Breakfast Meeting with agronomists and ag business reps at Ridgetown, Ont. about weed control in corn.

What does Canada's grocery code of conduct mean for your grocery bill? (May 26, CBC Listen)

Loblaws signed Canada's grocery code of conduct. Costco and Walmart have not. U of G researcher Dr. Mike Von Massow is here to talk about potential benefits for consumers and what the code will mean for your grocery bill.

Why the price of olive oil is skyrocketing at Canadian grocery stores (May 22, City News)

U of G researcher Dr. Mike Von Massow speaks with City News about why the price of olive oil is going up, citing several factors along the supply chain including climate change, decreases in production, and the war in Ukraine.

Threat of agriculture-related cybercrime is rising (May 10, Farmtario)

Farmtario shares tips from U of G researcher Dr. Ali Dehghantanha who spoke at the Future of Cybersecurity in Agriculture event.

Making the needed bulls available for methane reduction will be a huge focus for Semex this year (Apr. 29, Ontario Farmer)

Alliance-funded research is helping dairy producers reduce methane emissions through bull selection.

Reducing labour by regulating plant growth in tender fruits (Apr. 29, The Grower)

U of G researcher Dr. John Cline provides an update on his trials aimed at de-risking a spray thinning compound developed by Valent BioSciences.

Digital medicine gives farmers easier access to veterinary care (Apr. 23, Farmtario)

Former Ontario Agri-Tech Pitch competitors get traction with remote veterinary clinic app.

Future-focused research to on-farm inspiration (April edition, Milk Producer)

The Ontario Dairy Research Centre is helping Ontario producers through innovations like High Immune Response (HIR) technology, the development and testing of a two-part pain management approach for disbudding, and long-standing studies of methane emissions to yield climate-friendly dairy cattle.

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 OMAFRA. Questions regarding the OMAFRA-University of Guelph Agreement can be addressed to omafrago@uoguelph.ca.