Ontario Renews Partnership with University of Guelph

April 28, 2008 2:16 PM

McGuinty Government Inks Deal to Boost R&D, Food Safety, Environment

The partnership between the Ontario government and the University of Guelph that resulted in the Omega-3 egg is being renewed and improved.

Under an agreement announced today, the university will receive $300 million over the next five years to help it continue its top-notch agri-food and rural research and development programs, animal health and food testing services, and veterinary education. This is in addition to $56 million in one-time funding announced in the 2008 Ontario Budget.

The partnership also provides Ontario with improved methods to detect animal diseases such as rabies and tuberculosis, protecting lives and livelihoods.

QUICK FACTS

Between 1996 and 2007, an annual provincial investment of $54 million in the University of Guelph partnership leveraged more than $1 billion in returns per year.
The current $650-million Ontario soybean market is built on 25 years of research - conducted through the partnership - into better production, yields and innovative uses such as soymilk, soy-based diesel, and even a potential treatment for kidney disease.

LEARN MORE

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
ontario.ca/agriculture

University of Guelph Partnership 1

University of Guelph Partnership 2

University of Guelph Partnership 4

University of Guelph Partnership 3

"This renewed partnership is good news for our agri-food sector and focuses on research and innovation to better protect our health, economy and environment."

– Leona Dombrowsky
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

"This significant and strategic investment is indicative of the forward-thinking innovation strategy of the Ontario government and Minister Dombrowsky. This increased commitment will allow the partnership to generate even more than the current $1-billion it has been returning every year for the past 10 years."

– Alastair Summerlee
President, University of Guelph

"This deal strengthens Guelph's role as a leader in innovation. This significant government investment will benefit not only the university and the city, but also the agricultural community throughout the province."

– Liz Sandals
MPP for Guelph