Environmental Sustainability 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.

Environmental Sustainability Research Theme is one of seven themes that are funded by the Partnership. This theme focuses on maintaining the ability of natural resources (soil, air, water and biodiversity) to support and strengthen agriculture, food and bioproduct sectors and rural communities. Sustainability refers to the achievement of an economic, environmental and social state which can be maintained indefinitely. OMAFRA is called upon to consider economic, public health and environmental aspects in order to achieve sustainable agriculture and food production. There is also a desire for rural Ontario to contribute innovative solutions to environmental issues.

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

Environmental Sustainability (2008-2012) research focuses on the sustainability of natural resources such as soil, air, water and biodiversity. It also consideres economic, public health and environmental aspects. This program has funding opportunities (with University of Guelph Principal Researcher). Summaries of funded projects can be searched through the University website.

• Resource Management and Environment program's (1997-2008) purpose was to improve the planning and management of natural resources for different agroecosystems in Ontario such that environmental quality and a competitive agriculture and food system are sustained. It 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.
• Nutrient Management Joint Research Program (2006-2008) supported the development of environmentally effective and scientifically robust management practice options for land application of agricultural and non-agricultural source materials in Ontario. This program is closed to further funding but summaries of funded projects are available.

Research Priorities for this Theme

An expert panel met during the summer of 2008 to determine the long term, strategic priorities for the Environmental Sustainability 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

• Agricultural and Rural Policy
• Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses
• Emergency Management
• Food for Health
• Product Development and Enhancement Through Value Chains
• Production Systems

Contacts:

Regarding Programs:

Rajib Hazarika toll free at 1-888-466-2372 ex. 64090 or locally at 519-826-4090.

Regarding Knowledge Translation and Transfer:

Elin Gwyn toll free at 1-888-466-2372 ex. 6-6120 or locally at 519-826-6120