Kitchener-Waterloo

Province investing $1.8M in Guelph agriculture research

The Ontario government has announced it's investing $1.8 million into research at the University of Guelph that looks at efficient and sustainable farming practices.

University of Guelph will use funding to research best farming practices

The money will support research at the University of Guelph into the best practices for soil, air and water protection on Ontario’s farms. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

Researchers at the University of Guelph will use $1.8 million in funding from the provincial government to make the agri-food industry more safe, efficient and sustainable.

The funding will support research at the University of Guelph into the best practices for soil, air and water protection on Ontario's farms. The research will also looks at ways to make farmers more resilient to climate impacts.

It's hoped the research will help farmers gain new knowledge on how to:

  • Attract wild bees to help pollinate their fruit and vegetable crops.
  • Use the right tools to track soil health on their land.
  • Know what to grow off-season in corn fields to enhance productivity.
  • Overcome barriers that prevent some farmers from adopting best soil health practices.

The investment came to Guelph through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration with the University of Guelph.

"As Canada's food university, the University of Guelph is committed to research that enhances the production of safe and healthy food while protecting the environment," Malcolm Campbell, vice-president of research at the university said in a release.

"With this government support, University of Guelph researchers will make world-class discoveries that help Ontario farmers nourish Canadians and preserve our natural environment."