Ontario investing in new poultry research centre
By Canadian Poultry magazine
News ResearchProvince committing $13.5 million to advance sector research and drive innovation.
The Ontario government is investing $13.5 million in a new, poultry research centre in Elora.
The Government of Ontario, the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) and the province’s four poultry industry boards signed a Memorandum of Understanding to invest in the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre to advance research and drive innovation for the poultry sector.
“As part of the Grow Ontario Strategy, our government is focused on enhancing our research and innovation capabilities across the agri-food sector,” says Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
“This research centre 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.”
Ontario-led agri-food 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.
The new centre is expected to begin construction in 2024 and be completed by 2026.
Poultry leaders welcomed the development.
“OBHECC’S farmer and hatchery members are keen and excited to collaborate with our feather industry counterparts and other stakeholders in advancing this important project that will enhance Ontario’s leadership in poultry research and innovation,” says William Bearss, chair, Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission.
Murray Opsteen, Chair, Chicken Farmers of Ontario, weighed in as well.
“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.
“On behalf of the 1,300 chicken farming families across Ontario, we thank Minister Thompson and OMAFRA for your advocacy for the sector.”
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