Agriculture is a knowledge-based industry. Research is essential for the sector’s future competitiveness, focusing on improved genetics, efficient systems, and safer, better-quality products. OFA believes that agri-food research is a critical tool for Ontario farmers, providing new technologies and practices that improve agricultural productivity, develop new agricultural products, and sustain Ontario’s soil, air, and water resources.

The ARIO Act was created in 1962 and has not been updated since the early 1990’s. Modernizing the ARIO Act to reflect the current agri-food research environment and updating the role ARIO plays is a positive step in addressing the research and innovation needs of the agri-food sector. OFA supports the updated language in Bill 155. The modernized definition of research removes the previous narrow focus and provides scope. OFA generally supports the clarity provided in naming the ARIO as a Crown Agency. However, OFA has also identified some areas of concern relating to the changes reflected in Bill 155, offers the following recommendations.

OFA recommends ARIO engage directly with farmers and producer organizations on research needs and objectives as a key priority and indicate that this is necessary for the sector to reach its full potential with respect to agri-food research.

OFA strongly recommends that ARIO’s specific role with respect to knowledge translation and transfer needs to be clearly defined to compliment rather than compete with the role of other organizations in the sector, particularly the role that OMAFRA plays in this area.

The ARIO research station properties and related infrastructure are critical assets, essential to the function of agriculture research in Ontario and vital to the long-term success of the sector. OFA strongly recommends reinstating this core function as the primary purpose in the ARIO updated mandate.

OFA advocates for greater investment in agri-food research, both direct public investment as well as incentives and support for private sector research and development.

OFA maintains that agricultural research must continue to be the fundamental function of the research station properties.

OFA recommends that the majority of the appointed ARIO Board consist of industry representatives that reflect the diversity of agricultural products produced in Ontario.

OFA envisions development of an agri-food research priority-setting process that involves all commodities and partners in the sector, addresses the needs of value chain and looks beyond Ontario borders to effectively implement innovation.

Previous Related OFA Submissions:

April 14, 2023 – OFA submission regarding modernization of the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) Act