Address:
1 Stone Road West, 2nd Floor SW
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
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Contact Info:
Jim Wheeler
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy & Farm Finance Division
T: (519) 826-3204
F: (519) 826-3492
E: [email protected]
Website URL:
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAF/
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Commitment:
Biotechnology is a big part of Ontario�s $25 billion a year agri-food sector. From nutraceuticals and health diagnostics, to new industrial products made from agricultural raw materials, the potential for economic growth here in Ontario is huge. Already, the agri-food sector employs over 600,000 people, and is the province�s second largest employer.
About Us:
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food is working with industry, universities and the federal government to help Ontario become a world leader in the development and commercialization of new agri-food technologies and products. OMAF is committed to quality and safety and the best available science in the careful assessment of new technologies for markets at home and abroad.
Client Services:
OMAF is at the centre of the Guelph agri-food biotech cluster. In partnership with neighbouring services such as Health Canada, the Guelph Food Technology Centre, Ontario Agri-Food Technologies and the University, OMAF offers client account services to encourage investment attraction and growth.
Funding/Matching Opportunities:
Through the Enhanced Partnership with the University of Guelph, OMAF provides financial support and direction for biotechnology research, which will meet industry priorities and generate the greatest public benefit. Continued research is essential to advance biotechnology, with the overall objective of safe, quality food from a sustainable environment.
Discoveries:
OMAF has supported exciting new research using the tools of biotechnology in such significant projects as the EnviroPig, genetically modified to make better use of dietary phosphorus, resulting in less nutrient loading in manure. Other research includes improved cold tolerance in field crops and wine grapes, rapid detection of food-borne pathogens, and the role of nutraceuticals in such foods as garlic and soybeans for their disease prevention properties.