The province has announced that its annual funding for research at the University of Guelph will be $6.52 million. It did not say how this compares with previous years and neither the province nor the university could be reached for comment.
(I asked OMAFRA for last year's figure. What I got for an answer was a repeat of the news release saying $6.52 million "is consistent with previous years." Why won't they give us a figure? Maybe we prodded a skunk and are raising a big stink.
Of course, it would be if this year's figure is less than last year, showing Hardeman's (and Premier Ford's) lack of commitment to research.")
Today I got the answer. Last year's funding was $5.01, so there is a significant increase this year. It's nice to see that Hardeman and the Ford government recognize that research is one of the best investments they can make in agriculture.
The news release from Ontario Agriculture Minister Ernie Hardeman said the money will be for research into:
• Enhancing integrated pest management for leaf diseases in onions
• Using breeding and genomic approaches to develop disease-resistant soybeans for Ontario’s changing environment
• Identifying market conditions for small scale on-farm anaerobic digestion to produce biogas or nutrient-rich fertilizer
• Improving outcomes for Ontario apple producers though precision agriculture and labour efficiency strategies
• Digital mapping of soil carbon and nutrients in the Great Clay Belt to better understand effects of land conversion on agricultural practices
• Establishing a baseline for provincial soil properties that will support better soil health assessments
• Assessing herbicidal tolerance of cover crops during years with adverse weather
• Improving food rescue and recovery in the province’s industrial, commercial and institutional sectors
• Investigating noise impacts of grain dryers on neighbouring land uses
• Examining the current state of drainage infrastructure in Ontario.
Hardeman said "the research we’re investing in is vital to helping Ontario’s hardworking farmers and food businesses remain competitive and profitable.
“Now, more than ever, we need to support innovative
solutions that improve production practices, protect our environment and stimulate growth in our agri-food sector.”
