Issues in Contemporary Agriculture: Food

Centre to Boost Agri-Food Technology Uptake

Canadian agri-food technologies now have a smoother and more direct route from the laboratory to the field or factory, thanks to a new multi-partner commercialization centre that officially opened its doors in Guelph last week.

The Agri-Technology Commercialization Centre occupies the better part of the second floor of the new Jaral Corporate Centre in the University of Guelph's research park.

"Innovation will help improve the industrial sector's competitiveness," says Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "When we can show we have the latest, best and safest (innovations), we will attract business to our province."

Bob Delaney, parliamentary assistant to Ontario's Minister of Research and Innovation, says the Agri-Technology Commercialization Centre "will give Ontario's agri-entrepreneurs and innovators a way turn their best research and ideas into reality faster, with the support of business expertise, financing options and marketing support."

The University of Guelph's research park is central to what's become the largest agri-technology cluster in Canada. Besides the commercialization centre, it encompasses major crop protection and animal health companies, the University of Guelph, the governments of Canada and Ontario, major provincial and national associations related to agri-technology, major institutes, private sector industry partners and equipment suppliers.

The commercialization centre is unique, combining the expertise of four member organizations -- MaRS Landing, BioEnterprise Corporation, Ontario Agri-Food Technologies and Soy 20/20. Collectively, they operate under the banner of the Agri-Innovation Group of Ontario, or AgriGo. Each organization has a unique focus that contributes to the centre's overall strength.

MaRS Landing provides a link between agriculture and medical, scientific and health advances in Ontario, promoting collaboration among those involved in Toronto's MaRS Discovery District, Guelph's agricultural-life sciences cluster and Ontario's rural innovation community.

BioEnterprise is a commercialization agent, providing human capital and investment. It works with entrepreneurs to ensure they can build successful, sustainable businesses.

Ontario Agri-Food Technologies breaks down regulatory and legislative barriers to ensure agriculture producers have access to the latest technologies, to compete globally and to develop new market opportunities. It supports the continued development and adoption of new agri-food technologies to stimulate the farming and food processing sector.

Soy 20/20 has a mandate to develop new bioscience opportunities for Canadian soybeans, one of Ontario's top cash crops.

Owen Roberts, Farm Credit Canada AgriSuccess Express, December 5, 2008