Expanded Elora facility to assume research studies currently being conducted at Arkell Research Station.

Tim Lundeen, Editor

July 2, 2019

2 Min Read
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Kelli Jo/iStock/Getty Images

The Ontario government is helping advance the pork sector and drive more innovation in farming through the construction of a new swine research facility at the Elora Research Station in Ontario.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the new infrastructure investment in Elora will use state-of-the-art technology to meet advanced research and training needs in the swine sector, which represents more than 1,200 producers in the province, for decades.

"Our government is committed to supporting the development of farming technologies that create good jobs and help the economy grow," said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs. "We want to help farmers succeed and better position the pork sector for further growth and competitiveness now and for years to come."

The University of Guelph said the venture is a partnership it has with Ontario Pork and the Ontario government through the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario.

Swine research will be relocated from the current Arkell Research Station, which is overseen by the University of Guelph, to the newly expanded Elora Research Station, which is estimated to cost $15 million, with $12 million from the Ontario government through the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario and $3 million from Ontario Pork, OMAFRA said. Now into the design phase, the new facility is expected to take up to three years to complete.

University of Guelph researchers will use the facility for wide-ranging studies, including animal health, nutrition and welfare; consumer-oriented research; environmental factors; genetics and genomics; nutrient management, and reproduction.

“As Canada’s food university, the University of Guelph brings a breadth and depth of agri-food expertise to sustain and further strengthen our food system,” University of Guelph president Franco Vaccarino said.

University vice president (research) Malcolm Campbell added, “This new research facility will integrate the very best, state-of-the-art technology and will be powered by the University of Guelph’s phenomenal research community, working in concert with private- and public-sector partners to support the vitality and sustainability of Ontario’s agri-food sector.”

The project is intended to help foster competitiveness and create jobs in the swine sector and provide safe, healthy food, Hardeman said.

"This investment will help ensure Ontario maintains its competitive advantage and long-term sustainability in the research and innovation of agri-food and agri-products," Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario chair Dr. Lorne Hepworth said.

Eric Schwindt, chair of the Ontario Pork Producers Marketing Board, said the Elora infrastructure will advance knowledge and support development of new technologies and practices.

“This new facility will draw industry investment and research talent to southern Ontario and will ensure that the pork sector remains a vital contributor to economic growth in the province,” Schwindt said.

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