Governments investing $2.5 million to bring agri-food research to market

Through a new agreement with Bioenterprise Corporation, a national non-profit business accelerator, the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) is now accepting proposals that will see agri-food research ideas transformed into technologies, services, and market-ready products.

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $2.5 million in this project.

“Innovation drives the research that propels Ontario’s farmers and food processors forward, and OMAFRA is championing innovation to grow and build the sector for the future,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister, Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The new Bioenterprise partnership and this investment in commercializing research will help bring new products to market faster and strengthen the agri-food sector, while supporting the economy by helping businesses expand, creating jobs, and increasing the competitiveness of Ontario-made products in the domestic and global marketplaces.”

The initiative is accepting applications for research streams that encourage stronger adoption of best management practices for on farm production. The deadline to submit applications is October 29.

“Bioenterprise has long been deeply entrenched in Ontario’s agri-food and agri-tech ecosystem and having a partner like OMAFRA supporting the drive for innovation will mean big things for the sector and the economy,” said Dave Smardon, CEO, Bioenterprise. “With a focus on early-stage projects through market validation and product development activities, we are supporting a rich substrate of disruptive technologies that, with Minister Thompson’s and OMAFRA’s commitment, can create substantial increases in Ontario’s global competitiveness in agriculture.”