Ontario's Agri-Food Research & Development System
Table of Contents
1. Priority Setting And CoordinationThe paragraphs that follow outline the existing mechanisms used in Ontario and across Canada to identify priorities and coordinate research. The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO)The Agricultural Research
Institute of Ontario was established by the Agricultural Research
Institute of Ontario Act in 1962. ARIO members are appointed by, and report
to, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. ARIO
reviews from a strategic perspective the Ministry-funded research programs
at the University of Guelph and provides advice to OMAFRA regarding this
and other agri-food research in Ontario. Its fifteen members are intended
to broadly represent the agri-food industry in Ontario. ARIO meets approximately
five times per year. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)Within OMAFRA, the Research and Innovation Branch (RIB) located in the Research and Corporate Services Division is responsible for the coordination of activities associated with OMAFRA funding of agri-food research in Ontario. RIB takes the lead on managing funding and research programs, including the mechanisms for setting priorities for publicly funded research in Ontario. It also has responsibility for coordinating Ontario's agri-food research programs with industry, other provincial and federal government departments and initiatives, including the Ministry of Research and Innovation and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. During the summer of 2008 the Research and Innovation Branch of OMAFRA,
working with a team of consultants, conducted an Expert Panel process
for priority setting which involved participation of leaders from industry,
academia, not-for-profit organizations, ARIO and other government agencies.
The Expert Panel process resulted in the establishment of priorities for
research and identified the critical success factors which relate to capacity,
type of research, and partnerships and collaborations for each of the
7 research themes recommended by ARIO and subsequently approved by the
Minister. The themes are: Environmental Sustainability; Agricultural Production
Systems; Product Development and Enhancement through Value Chains; Food
for Health; Industrial Uses for the Bioeconomy; Agricultural Policy &
Rural Policy; and, Emergency Management. The priorities are the foundation
for the development of new research programs under the University
of Guelph - OMAFRA Partnership Agreement as well as the competitive
research programs administered by OMAFRA. OMAFRA Research Advisory Network (ORAN)The new OMAFRA Research Advisory Network (ORAN) was implemented effective June 24, 2009. The Ministry believes the outcome will help to better align research spending/research needs with research programs (including those under the Agreement). Ontario Agri-Food Industry Organizations and Commodity GroupsMany commodity and agri-food industry organizations in Ontario have established research committees that identify research priorities of interest to their constituencies. These priorities are communicated either directly to researchers, through industry coalitions. Many of these organizations also provide funds for research. Examples are:
Other ProvincesOther provinces have research coordinating committees or similar structures.
Some are more active than others. The Conseil Des Recherches En Pêche et En Agroalimentaire Du Québec (CORPAQ) advises the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) on questions relating to research, development and technology transfer. CORPAQ is also responsible for the management of MAPAQ research programs. 2. R&D Funding, Capacity And Alignment Of The ComponentsThe total investment in agri-food research in Ontario from all sources is unknown, although OMAFRA has estimated that during the period 2003-2008, over $600 million was invested in Ontario agri-food research. This figure includes the Government of Ontario R & D and funds leveraged from industry and the Government of Canada on the Province's investment. It does not include private sector corporate R & D in Ontario. Since 1991, the sources of public funding for agri-food research in Ontario have evolved from primarily OMAFRA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Council (NSERC) to include other provincial and federal sources. This funding is competitive as well dedicated to one institution for agri-food research. In some cases, matching private sector funding is required. The major performers of publicly funded agri-food research in Ontario are the University of Guelph and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Agri-food and related research (such as environmental and life sciences) is also conducted on a more limited basis at other universities including Brock University, the University of Toronto, the University of Western Ontario, Queen's University, the University of Waterloo and others. In the past few years, as food safety, life sciences, and environmental research have emerged as important priorities, the funding to these other institutions for agri-food and related research from all sources has increased. Traditionally, funding for agri-food research at the University of Guelph from OMAFRA has been primarily directed to improving the efficiency of agricultural production and therefore competitiveness. A considerable proportion of the research has been applied to research carried out at research stations throughout the province. This research is highly valued by agricultural commodity organizations and other industry groups. Current Ontario investment in agri-food research is largely tied to infrastructure (people and facilities) (approximately 85% of OMAFRA funding). This funding has helped to increase the research capacity at the University of Guelph, and has enabled industry funding to be directed towards projects. Grants from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund and the Ontario Innovation Trust have helped to fund new research programs such as the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety at the University of Guelph. These types of initiatives allow for multidisciplinary research teams and researcher networks that can provide valuable new information that will benefit the Ontario agri-food industry and public. Funding through the federal Networks Centre of Excellence Program allows the University of Guelph to act as the host institution for federal networks like the Advanced Foods and Materials Network (AFMNet) which brings together researchers from universities, industries and government departments from Canada and abroad. Annual reports from the University of Guelph indicate that investment
by the private sector in university agri-food research has increased steadily
over the past few years, the levels of funding vary greatly from commodity
to commodity. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural AffairsOn April 28, 2008, OMAFRA and the University of Guelph announced the renewal of the partnership between the Ontario government and the University. The University is receiving over $350 million between 2008 and 2013 to help it continue its top-notch agri-food and rural research and development programs, animal health and food testing services and veterinary education. The partnership also provides Ontario with improved methods to detect animal diseases such as rabies and tuberculosis, protecting lives and livelihoods. OMAFRA and university staff work collaboratively to better plan research
projects and transfer results to people who can use them in the industry.
OMAFRA and the university plan to consult with industry to determine how
all parties can work together more effectively in getting research results
into practical applications more quickly. The current $650 million Ontario soybean market is built on 25 years
of research - conducted mainly through the partnership - into better production,
yields and innovative uses such as soymilk, soy-based diesel, and even
potential treatment of kidney disease. Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI)In the past several years, MRI (formerly part of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade) has become a significant funder of research and infrastructure for Ontario agri-food research. Funding is awarded by MRI on a competitive basis. Some of their programs include:
Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) conducts research across Canada including four centres in Ontario:
Much of the research carried out at these stations has direct implications
for Ontario, however the centres all have national mandates and it is
difficult to determine how much of their funding base is focused on Ontario
sectors. Funding is provided directly by AAFC to researchers and through
the Matching Investment Initiative (MII). Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) sources and provides efficient, flexible and accountable program delivery, in partnership with funding sources, with a primary focus on the Ontario agriculture and agri-food sector. AAC's mission is to be a catalyst for adaptation, advancement and innovation.
AAFC currently has several active programs ranging from funds provided
through the Agricultural Policy Framework to funds which support the criteria
under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Advancing Canadian Agriculture
and Agri-Food fund. These active programs are: CanAdvance;
Agricultural Management Institute;
and Ontario
Research and Development Program Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)Canadian Foundation of Innovation (CFI) offers several funding programs that invest in research infrastructure. The University of Guelph and other Ontario institutions have had some success in CFI competitions. Federal Granting CouncilsThe Natural Sciences
and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research and to a lesser extent the Social
Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) provide funding to
researchers in the agri-food area. Agri-BusinessMany agri-food organizations fund research that relates to their commodity. The exact contribution from these sources is unknown. According to University of Guelph statistics, the investment in research from business and industry was $14.9 million in 2005-06| 3. Innovation And CommercializationIn recent years, provincial and federal governments, universities and industry have initiated new strategies and programs intended to facilitate increased innovation and commercialization of agri-food and life sciences technologies. New programs have been aimed at removing barriers to transform research results into commercially viable products and services, with the ultimate goal of enhancing Ontario's (and Canada's) competitive position. Several of these initiatives (described below) are linked to the continuing role of Guelph as an important cluster for agri-food research in Ontario and Canada. Efforts to network this cluster with regional economic development initiatives in the City of Guelph and other parts of Ontario are now evolving. Growing ForwardStakeholders have helped shape Growing Forward. Over the past two years, the federal and provincial governments held a series of consultations where we discussed with our industry partners what worked under the Agricultural Policy Framework and what needed to change. They said there was a need for a stronger focus on achieving results, with programs that are simpler, more effective and more responsive to local needs. The new Growing Forward initiative offers: A flexible approach to meet individual business needs More investment in innovation A partnership with industry More effective and more responsive programs Agri-Tech Innovation PlanThe Research and Innovation Branch in OMAFRA is undertaking a study to develop a strategy or plan for the commercialization of innovation that will provide direction for future Ministry investment in commercialization and innovation. The Plan is anticipated to be completed by the summer 2009. Ontario Commercialization NetworkThe Ontario Commercialization Network (OCN) was created through funding from the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI). The OCN includes the Ontario Centres of Excellence, the MaRS Centre in Toronto, Sectoral Innovation Networks (SINs) and Regional Innovation Networks (RINs). BioEnterprise has received funding from MRI as a SIN for agri-food. RINs were established as multi-stakeholder, regional development organizations to support partnerships among business, institutions and local governments to promote innovation. While initially focused on the life sciences, Ontario's 12 active regional networks have expanded into other areas of innovation excellence such as information technology, energy conservation, and advanced materials, depending on their local strengths and opportunities. One of the benefits of these networks is that they can bring commercialization services closer to the clients that need them-small firms, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors. Three of the networks which have particular significance for the agri-food sector are the Guelph Partnership for Innovation, the Southwestern Ontario Biotechnology Innovation Network (SOBIN) and the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Innovation Network (ELORIN). MRI is conducting a review of the OCN with expected completion in spring 2009. BioAuto CouncilThe Ontario BioAuto Council
was formed in 2006-07 and is focused on the development and demonstration
of bio-based materials in the automotive industry. The group is working
to link agriculture and forestry with the chemical and plastics industry
to produce materials and chemicals from biological feedstocks; the materials,
such as flexible foams and rigid plastics, would be incorporated into
Ontario-made cars and trucks. Contact Erin Cheney 519/827-1118 The BioAuto Council builds on the establishment of a Premier's Research
Chair in Biomaterials and Transportation at the University of Guelph.
Dr. Amar K. Mohanty was awarded this Chair in 2006. University of Guelph Business Development Office (BDO)Specific to the OMAFRA-University of Guelph Agreement, the University's Business Development Office acts as the commercialization agent for research discoveries made at the University including those funded through the Agreement. Under the current University of Guelph Intellectual Property (IP) Policy, all research discoveries made at the University are the property of the University. The BDO works with researchers on behalf of the University to protect and commercialize IP that is deemed to have commercial value. Proposed changes to the University IP Policy may lead to changes in the role of the BDO. In recent years the University of Guelph has joined with a number of other Ontario universities to form "C4", a collaborative effort linking the efforts of the various tech transfer and business development offices of those institutions. 4. Communications And Public-Scienc InterfaceCurrently there is no overarching provincial communications strategy related to agri-food research in Ontario. Most research communications is ad hoc and completed by the organization funding or performing the research. A Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) plan is being created by a joint OMAFRA - University of Guelph KTT team to address issues of moving research outcomes funded under the OMAFRA - University of Guelph Partnership Agreement into policy and program applications for internal and external clients. The KTT team will have created a KTT strategy and implementation plan. It will provide a framework and development resources for researchers submitting proposals under the agreement for the period of 2008-2012. It will also coordinate the efforts of OMAFRA and the University of Guelph for KTT activities in the agrifood sector and rural community development. Some research communications activities in Ontario are described below. MediaStudents Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge (SPARK), based at the University of Guelph, produces articles and stories on agri-food research. The main vehicles for publication are the Guelph Mercury and the semi-annual Research magazine, as well as a number of commodity magazines and publications. The Ontario Farmer which is widely read in the agricultural community regularly reports on research and is often a forum for discussion by readers concerning the implications of new technologies. The Buzz is a bi-weekly electronic community news vehicle dedicated to the OMAFRA - UofG Partnership. Public Lecture SeriesThe Ontario Agricultural College of the University of Guelph has initiated a series of public lectures to showcase how researchers and students are working on issues of key importance to contemporary society such as genetically modified organisms, and greenhouse gases. Web Access to Research ProjectsSummaries of all research projects funded by OMAFRA can be accessed through the internet, either through the OMAFRA or the University of Guelph websites. PublicationsIn recent years OMAFRA has published several compendiums of research being funded by the Ministry. Latest publications include the Ontario Food Safety Research Program Compendium and the 2006 Compendium of OMAFRA Funded Environment Research. Presentations and Research ForumsThrough the OMAFRA/University of Guelph Agreement, funded researchers
are expected to publish their work in peer reviewed journals and to communicate
the results of their research to industry and other stakeholders. Recently,
research forums related to topics such as rural sustainability and food
safety have been organized by OMAFRA staff and university researchers
to report on the results of their research to government representatives,
other researchers and industry (this audience has been more limited). 5. Human Resource Capacity For R&DRecent reports have forecast widespread shortages of technological skills in Canada. For Ontario to be successful, a qualified workforce is necessary along the entire R&D chain from research laboratories to the business of commercialization of technologies and marketing. For many years, OMAFRA has played a significant role in the development and retention of qualified researchers in the agri-food area. OMAFRA - University of Guelph AgreementThe ministry supports professional faculty and technical staff. The ministry also supports post-doctoral students at the University in the Ontario Agricultural College and the Ontario Veterinary College. OMAFRA Competitive Research Programs (New Directions
Research Program, Nutrient Management Joint Research Program and Food
Safety Research Program) In addition, OMAFRA funds agricultural diploma education at the main and 3 regional campuses of the University of Guelph.
For more information: Toll Free: 1-888-466-2372 ext. 64554 Local: (519) 826-4554 E-mail: research.omafra@ontario.ca
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