Agricultural and Rural Policy Research Theme (2008-2012)

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Overview

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the University of Guelph (UofG) signed a new and enhanced Partnership agreement on April 28, 2009 for research, laboratory services and veterinary clinical education.

Agricultural and Rural Policy Research Theme is one of seven themes that are funded by the Partnership. The theme is divided into two sections:

• Agricultural Policy deals with policy issues relating to farming: government regulations and their impact farmers and rural communities, farm program analysis, farm management challenges, agricultural trade and marketing, agricultural business and finance, promotion of innovation, and agriculture in economic development.
• Rural Policy deals with the rural/urban interface, rural economic development, rural infrastructure, community capacity, and labour market, promotion of innovation, and rural quality of life and challenges.

Theme News

The most recent items are listed first. Check the research news archive for older news items.

April 2011

Launch of new Research Management System (RMS)- OMAFRA is now using an e-grant system for managing Ministry-funded research programs.

January 2011

Agri-Food and Rural Link KTT Funding Program (OMAFRA-University of Guelph partnership)

List of successful KTT Projects from the Fall Call 2010 - 11 projects were funded for a total of $635,000.

November 2010

Harnessing natures medicine - 2010 Agri-Food Yearbook - This second edition of the OMAFRA-UofG Partnership, Agri-Food yearbook focuses on sustainability from an economic, social and environmental view point.

Research Programs Related to this Theme

The Agricultural and Rural Policy Research Theme (2008-2012) will require the development of the knowledge base and capacity to support the economic analysis of Ontario's agriculture, food and bioeconomy sectors and rural economy. This program has funding opportunities (with University of Guelph Principal Researcher). Summaries of funded projects can be searched through the University website.

• Sustainable Rural Communities' (1997-2008) purpose was to fund research which would contribute to the sustainability of rural Ontario by undertaking research that was effective in improving the economic, social and environmental conditions of rural communities. The program was funded through previous OMAFRA-University of Guelph Agreements and is now closed to further funding. Summaries of funded projects are available.
• New Directions (2001-ongoing) funds research which creates new and alternative products and technologies helping the agri-food industry expand into new markets at home and abroad. Industry,rural communities and organizations, other levels of government and research institutions partner with academia in this research program. Calls for Letters of Intent are issued annually. There are funding opportunities as well as summaries of funded projects with this program.

Research Priorities for this Theme

An expert panel met during the summer of 2008 to determine the long term, strategic priorities for the Agricultural and Rural Policy Research Theme.

Knowledge Transfer and Translation Activities

Accelerating the transformation of knowledge into use – that is Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT). KTT is a new emphasis in the partnership between OMAFRA and the University of Guelph.

KTT is the synthesis, exchange and application of knowledge resulting from interactions among university researchers, OMAFRA, stakeholders of OFMAFRA and the University of Guelph and the public.

A team of OMAFRA and University of Guelph staff are working to increase the practical application of knowledge created from research.

The Other Research Themes funded through the Partnership

• Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses
• Emergency Management
• Environmental Sustainability
• Food for Health
• Product Development and Enhancement Through Value Chains
• Production Systems

Contacts:

Regarding Programs:

Simon Berge toll free at 1-888-466-2372 ex. 63535 or locally at 519-826-3535.

Regarding Knowledge Translation and Transfer:

Elin Gwyn toll free at 1-888-466-2372 ex. 66120 or locally at 519-826-6120