Production Systems 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.

Production Systems Research Theme is one of seven that are funded by the Partnership. This theme must focus primarily on production research and profitable agriculture. Secondly, the theme's research capacity can be employed to incorporate the needs of other themes into profitable systems.

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

Production Systems (2008-2012) research addresses issues surrounding sustainable agriculture under both plant and animal sectors. Topics include genetic improvement, precision farming, pest management, biosecurity, adaptive research and capturing value from agricultural products. This program has funding opportunities (with University of Guelph Principal Researcher). Summaries of funded projects can be searched through the University website.

• Sustainable Production Systems' (2005-2008) purpose was to enhance the long-term global competitiveness and sustainability of Ontario's agriculture and food system through excellence in research. The program was funded through a previous OMAFRA-University of Guelph Agreement and is now closed to further funding. Summaries of funded projects are available.
• Life Sciences and Agri-food Innovation Fund (2006-2009) promoted and accelerated the pre-commercialization development of new products and services in the Agri-food and related Life Science sectors in Ontario. The program provided funding for projects that clarified or enhanced the commercial value of existing intellectual property and made it more attractive to potential investors. This program is closed to further funding but has summaries of funded projects.
• 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 for Production Systems met during the summer of 2008 to determine the long term, strategic priorities for this 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. More information about KTT

The Other Research Themes funded through the Partnership

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

Contacts:

Regarding Programs:

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

Regarding Knowledge Translation and Transfer:

Duff MacKinnon toll free at 1-888-466-2372 ex. 64183 or locally at 519-826-4183