A collaboration between OMAFRA and the University of Guelph |
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Stories of the Alliance people, places and programs generating impact in the agri-food sector in Ontario and around the world. |
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In this issue:
- Program Impact Case Study series now available online
- New U of G director to bring University-wide strategy for agri-food research data management
- Experiential learning opens new doors for U of G undergrads
- Alliance people, places and programs in the media
- Upcoming events
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Program Impact Case Study series now available online |
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The Program Impact Case Study series is a compilation of stories that showcase how Alliance program investments are being transformed into impacts that support a competitive and sustainable agri-food system in Ontario and across Canada.
Readers can explore three programs that support Ontario's agri-food sector and rural communities. Through people, places, programs and partnerships, Alliance investments are making a difference.
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Explore the series by clicking below: |
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New U of G director to bring University-wide strategy for agri-food research data management |
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Michelle Edwards, a longtime data management strategy leader, has been appointed as the inaugural director of agri-food data strategy with the Office of Research at the University of Guelph.
This new position will provide stable, long-term leadership to agri-food research data strategy in the Office of Research.
It expands on the former position of director of research data strategy for the Food from Thought program at U of G. That research program is intended to foster Canadian leadership in developing innovative solutions to improve agricultural sustainability and productivity.
“I look forward to working with U of G researchers and administrators to advance agri-food research data management and realize the University’s commitment to FAIR data principles and agri-food research excellence,” said Edwards, referring to findability, accessibility, interoperability and reuse of digital assets. “Together, we will strive to achieve the promise of harnessing agri-food research data for the benefit of the sector.”
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Experiential learning opens new doors for U of G undergrads |
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Photo: Riley McConachie sprays inoculum of Fusarium graminearum on wheat plots to determine if any genotypes can resist infection to Fusarium head blight. |
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While looking for summer jobs one year, both Riley McConachie and Hannah Michaels learned about a program that would shape their post-graduate plans. They’ve recently wrapped up research projects as part of a unique learning experience at U of G.
Through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) funds the aptly named Undergraduate Student Experiential Learning (USEL) program. USEL exposes U of G students to opportunities outside the lecture halls, providing hands-on learning of additional skills for a professional career in the agri-food sector.
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A selection of Alliance people, places and programs cited in popular and trade media. |
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With funding from OMAFRA, through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, the Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) uses cutting-edge technologies to test, diagnose and monitor infectious pathogens. The AHL continues to work closely with the CFIA and OMAFRA on the diagnosis of avian influenza in Ontario.
Poultry immunologist and Alliance-funded researcher Dr. Shayan Sharif discussed avian flu outbreaks with CBC News.
Alliance-funded researcher Dr. Claudia Wagner-Riddle spoke to Chatelaine about the work being done in Canada to reduce beef’s environmental footprint.
Alliance-funded researcher Dr. Shayan Sharif discusses why the discovery of a “highly pathogenic subtype” of avian influenza across the globe and in Canada is worrisome, and how more effective and efficient ways to monitor and control the outbreaks are being explored.
New University of Guelph research at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, funded in part by the Alliance, is proving the old adage “apples to apples” may need some rethinking after a new study found apples are worth comparing and that texture and flavour are what drive consumer preferences.
The University of Guelph’s investments in teaching and research, people and organizations generate $8.6 billion for the national economy, according to the latest U of G economic impact report. The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance contributes $1.44 billion to Ontario’s GDP.
Alliance-funded researcher Dr. Christine Baes took Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Dairy Day attendees on a genomic tour in January highlighting that the main benefits of genomics are improved selection accuracy and decreased generation interval.
In a new commentary, Alliance researchers Drs. Alfons Weersink and Michael von Massow discuss how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has affected food prices.
An Alliance-funded research project, led by University of Guelph crop science professor Dr. Francois Tardif, aims to investigate cover crop concerns in order to provide concrete guidelines that will help more farmers adopt this important practice with confidence.
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The Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses (CPHAZ) Symposium
May 25-26, 2022
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The Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses (CPHAZ) Symposium is a two-day, virtual event that brings together all pillars and forms of public health and zoonotic disease work and research. The symposium will take place virtually via Zoom Webinar on May 25th and 26th, 2022. |
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Arrell Food Summit: The Future of Food
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
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Registration is now open for the Arrell Food Summit! Join the Arrell Food Institute and other agri-food leaders and experts on June 7, 2022, where we’ll explore key topics around the future of food. To learn more and register visit www.arrellfoodsummit.ca. |
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