Getting an edge with research
OMAFRA looks to researchers, producers and processors to help develop
better, healthier food products. This includes nutraceuticals,
functional foods and age-related diets. The DHA-enriched milk
and omega-3 eggs now on supermarket shelves are two examples of
innovative new products developed with funding from OMAFRA.
OMAFRA also supports research to develop new and improved processes.
This research helps increase the competitiveness of Ontario
companies. It also contributes as many as 6,000 jobs each
year to the province’s economy. Use the links on this
page to find out how your company can get involved – and get
a competitive edge.
What kind of research does your business need to compete
and grow? How should OMAFRA prioritize research funding
for a strong, vibrant agri-food industry? Are there common
industry challenges that research could address?
If you have answers to these questions, the OMAFRA Research Advisory
Network wants to hear from you! The Network was established
in 2009 to communicate with industry stakeholders on an ongoing
basis. The goal: to ensure our research priorities are on
target and funding goes where it is most needed. Together,
let's put research to work for you!
About our research programs
OMAFRA provides more than $10 million in funding each year to universities,
institutions and industry for research. Our key funding programs
include:
New Directions Research Program
This program is designed to create new and alternative products
or technologies to support the sustainable growth and competitiveness
of Ontario's agri-food sector. It is open to universities, institutions
and private companies.
Since 1999, the program has sponsored more than 190 research projects
totalling more than $13 million. These projects include
- soybeans with higher isoflavone levels
- a new probiotic yogurt
- mushrooms designed to yield pharmaceutical compounds.
Learn
more now
OMAFRA-University of Guelph Partnership Agreement
Industry research partners are eligible to share in $7.6 million
in funding each year through this agreement with the University
of Guelph. Learn
more now
About our key research areas
Seven strategic themes guide the research that OMAFRA funds. For
the food production sector, we focus on two themes:
Food for Health
Priorities include:
- agriculture and food for health
- bioactives, functional foods and new healthy food products
- consumers and healthy choices
- understanding linkages between food and health
- policy, regulations, investment and the economy.
Product Development and Enhancement through Value Chains
Priorities related to product development include:
- emerging opportunities
- food safety, traceability and other certifications
- packaging
- regulatory modernization research
- sustainability.
Priorities related to value-chain enhancement include:
- competitiveness
- relationship/business models
- communications/networking
- marketing intelligence opportunities
- human resource capacity.
Learn more
Call1-888-466-2372, extension 64554. Or, send an email to: research.omafra@ontario.ca
