The Government of Ontario, the University of Guelph (UG) and the province’s four poultry industry boards have plans to construct a poultry research center in the Township of Elora.
The entities recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to invest in the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre. According to a press release, the provincial government will invest CA$13.5 million (US$1 million) in the facility. The purpose of the center is to advance research and drive innovation for the Canadian poultry industry.
The new center is a partnership between the Government of Ontario through the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO), UG, and the poultry sector’s four regulatory boards -- Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO), Egg Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission and the Turkey Farmers of Ontario.
"It is only through strong partnerships that Ontario will continue to be a leader in agri-food research and innovation. It really is amazing what can be accomplished when government, industry, and academia work together for the betterment of this important sector for Ontarians," added Dr. Lorne Hepworth, chair of ARIO.
Ontario-led agrifood research conducted at this facility will support animal welfare, reproduction, and nutrition, as well as meat quality and safety. Results will be shared with poultry farmers and the broader poultry business sector to encourage the adoption of innovative, safer, healthier, and more efficient animal and on-farm production practices.
Construction is set to begin in 2024 and the center is expected to be open in 2026.
"As part of the Grow Ontario Strategy, our government is focused on enhancing our research and innovation capabilities across the agri-food sector," said Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This research center will, once completed equip our poultry industry with the tools, and the knowledge to stay competitive, while creating jobs, growing the economy and ensuring supply chain security."
Murray Opsteen, chair of CFO, spoke confidently on the advantages the center will offer for the 1,300 chicken farmers across the province.
"The Poultry Research Centre of Excellence will help to further establish Ontario as a leader in innovation, sustainability, animal welfare, and food safety. Chicken Farmers of Ontario is committed to supporting the research and innovation needs necessary to advance the chicken industry, and the broader Ontario agriculture community,” Opsteen said.
Dr. Malcom Campbell, vice president of research at UG, said the facility will be beneficial to both the poultry industry and the university.
“"The new Ontario Poultry Research Centre in Elora is a major and future-forward step in advancing the sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of Ontario’s poultry industry through cutting-edge research, collaborative partnerships and innovation. The Centre will provide world-class University of Guelph researchers with the facilities and resources to conduct purpose-driven research on pressing industry challenges, supporting strong and stable poultry production across the province by improving animal health and welfare, food safety, and production efficiency," said Campbell.
