The Ontario government is investing over $41 million over the next four years to build and revitalize Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) infrastructure. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment boosts Ontario-led innovation to give farmers access to cutting-edge solutions that help Ontario’s agri-food sector stay resilient and competitive in the global market.

“Our government is taking action to protect Ontario’s agri-food sector, and we are proud to support farmers and business owners,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Through investments in research and innovation, we are ensuring farmers and business owners have the best solutions to remain competitive against tariffs and ensure families can continue to buy high-quality, Ontario-made food with pride.”

As part of this funding, Ontario is investing an additional $10.5 million in the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre at the Elora Research Station. The new facility will support Ontario’s 1,200 chicken and turkey producers and 432 egg farmers by boosting research on animal welfare, reproduction and meat quality and safety. This funding is in addition to the $13.5 million previously committed by the Ontario government, bringing the total provincial contribution to $24 million.

Other ARIO facilities receiving funding include:

• $15.5 million in funding for the new Ontario Feed Innovation Centre at the Elora Research Station to provide micro-scale nutritional research for swine, poultry, small ruminants and aquaculture.
• Repairs and upgrades to other properties across the network, including the Dairy Education Centre at the Ridgetown campus, to ensure the continuation of cutting-edge research and innovation to benefit farmers and agribusinesses across Ontario.

ARIO is an agency of the Government of Ontario and owns the province’s network of strategic agri-food research infrastructure, including 14 research station properties, with 5,600 acres and over 200 buildings. Their focus on agri-food research and innovation in areas such as field crops, livestock, greenhouse, horticulture, aquaculture and soil health helps translate research into practical solutions for farmers and agribusinesses.

Investing in agri-food research and helping farmers adopt new innovations are key drivers in achieving the goals of the province’s Grow Ontario Strategy. These investments make Ontario a continued leader in the global agri-food industry through innovative new technologies and practices that help the sector grow and stay competitive.

Quick Facts

• The University of Guelph operates 13 of the centres through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a partnership between the University of Guelph (U of G), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and ARIO. The remaining property is managed by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.
• The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance agreement is an economic funding driver for the agri-food sector that supports more than 1,500 jobs across the province and contributes $1.4B annually to Ontario’s GDP.
• Ontario is celebrating our 27th annual Agriculture Week from October 6-12, 2025. Join us in honouring the dedicated farmers, processors and distributors who provide the finest local food and beverages Ontarians enjoy every day.

Quotes

“For more than 60 years, ARIO has been providing the spaces and places where agri-food research and innovation happens in Ontario. We are pleased the Ontario government is investing to revitalize ARIO infrastructure. This investment will not only build on ARIO’s world-class research platform but will also enable stronger research capacity to support a competitive and sustainable agri-food sector; a pillar of Ontario’s economy.”

– Nevin McDougall
Board Chair, ARIO

“We are grateful to the Ontario government for its increased investment in the Ontario Poultry Research and Innovation Centre. This support will strengthen our ability to manage risk and prevent disease, while also opening new doors to enhance on-farm efficiencies, advance sustainable practices, and introduce cutting-edge technologies to benefit Ontario’s poultry sector.”

– Murray Opsteen
Board Chair, Chicken Farmers of Ontario

“Ontario Pork commends OMAFA, the Government of Ontario and ARIO for their continued commitment to research and innovation through the new Ontario Feed Innovation Centre. The Centre will be a welcome complement to the Ontario Swine Research Centre, and Ontario’s agri-food sector.”

– Tara Terpstra
Board Chair, Ontario Pork

“The University of Guelph is proud to partner with the province and the agri-food sector to lead the development of more than $200 million in research infrastructure over the past 15 years. As operators, stewards and primary users of these ARIO facilities, U of G puts this infrastructure to work for industry — supporting producers, serving agribusinesses, and driving innovation. This investment will continue to build resilience, improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and ensure Ontario’s agri-food sector remains a global leader.”

– Dr. Rene Van Acker
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Guelph

“Dairy Farmers of Ontario supports the announcement on investment for repairs and upgrades to the Dairy Education Centre at Ridgetown and would like to thank OMAFA and Minister Trevor Jones. As the largest sector of Ontario agriculture, the dairy industry supports more than 89,000 jobs and contributes nearly $8.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP. Last year alone dairy farmers shipped more than 3.1 billion litres of milk from over 3,100 farms across the province. This investment supports the Dairy Education Centre’s continued delivery of high-quality dairy education and training in Ontario for students interested in a career in Ontario agriculture.”

– Mark Hamel
Board Chair, Dairy Farmers of Ontario

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