OMAFRA Invests $10 Million in research at University of Guelph

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OMAFRA Invests $ 10 Million
in research at University of Guelph
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is investing more than $ 10 million in research at the University of Guelph and partnering universities.

Sept. 28, 2010 – The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is investing more than $10 million in research at the University of Guelph and partnering universities. The money will support 72 projects across the agri-food spectrum, from developing avian flu vaccines to studying the rural labour market to finding alternatives to pesticides.

The grants are part of U of G’s renewed partnership with OMAFRA. They involve researchers at the University’s Guelph, Ridgetown and Kemptville campuses, Laboratory Services, the 13 University’s research stations, and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

“Research is a key contributor to the success of Ontario’s agri-food sector, the strength of our rural communities, and the protection of our environment,” said Carol Mitchell, minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The McGuinty government is pleased to provide funding to the University of Guelph to help support these innovative projects and invest in our province’s future.”

Prof. Rich Moccia, U of G’s associate vice-president (research), said: “This investment will allow us to engage researchers at other universities and foster innovations and breakthroughs that will better protect our health, the economy and the environment.”

Pathobiology Prof. Shayan Sharif and his team will use a $230,000 grant to study avian influenza's pathogenesis, transmission and immunity, and develop vaccines to control the virus in poultry flocks and disrupt its transmission to humans.