The Government of Ontario is seeking applications for its Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative grant program that is available to help eligible organizations fund agri-food research projects.

This initiative combines and builds on the success of the former Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) New Directions and Food Safety Research Programs. It is jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. 

Program Goals

The goals of the initiative are to:

• fund demand-driven research that can support agri-food policy, programs or the marketplace.
• improve knowledge or technology to help Ontario's agri-food sector businesses address challenges.
• help agri-food businesses expand market opportunities locally and globally.

Priority Areas

Research priorities change every year to address opportunities and challenges facing the agri-food sector and rural communities. Priorities for the 2020-21 application year are:

• food safety;
• plant health and protection;
• sustainable production systems.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for funding, the lead applicant must:
  • be located in Ontario;
  • demonstrate that you have the capacity to perform quality research;
  • be part of one of the following:
    • a university or college;
    • a research organization, institute, or foundation;
    • an industry organization or business;
    • a non-government organization;
    • a municipal or indigenous government or government agency.
• Who is not eligible:
  • Federal and provincial government researchers. These researchers may collaborate on a research project if the lead applicant is from another eligible organization.
  • Researchers outside the province of Ontario. Researchers from other provinces may collaborate on a research project if the lead applicant for the project is in Ontario.
  • Researchers with an outstanding progress report for another OMAFRA-funded research project. Applicants are not eligible to receive funding under this initiative until they submit their outstanding reports.

For more information, visit Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative.