From the CEO’s desk – February 2026
From the CEO's desk
The increasingly complex world of food production requires broad participation from all parts of the value chain in research and innovation. Ontario farmers’ partnerships with government, universities, and industry are the foundation for innovative, competitive, and sustainable food production.
Farmers have always been huge supporters of research and innovation. Since Day One, they’ve answered the challenge to efficiently produce abundant, affordable food in a safe, sustainable manner. Research and innovation have been central to their success.
Farmers’ participation and advice in setting research priorities and policy decision-making is vital. In agriculture, no group is closer than farmers to the impact of research and policy decisions on sustainability, profitability, and strong communities.
Collaboration with research partners is key to maximizing investment in innovation to drive a successful agri-food sector. We need decision-making that supports evidence-based policies, along with a robust, right-sized regulatory environment and an effective, efficient research ecosystem…from research funds to people and infrastructure. Grain Farmers of Ontario has developed partnerships through the value chain and recognize the strengths everyone brings to the table.
We appreciate the capacity and funding Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and other federal research organizations give to important activities such as plant breeding and policy development. I was pleased to meet recently with federal agriculture and agri-food minister Hon. Heath MacDonald to discuss the importance of federal investment in agricultural research.
We place great importance on the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance (OFAIA) between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) and the University of Guelph – a key driver for agri-food research and innovation in the province.
Ontario grain farmers are doing their part, too. Over the past 10 years, Grain Farmers of Ontario has invested more than $16.4 million in 150 research projects. Leveraging other funding sources, the value of these projects is over $65 million. Additionally, we have invested $2.5 million in professorships for field crop pathology and wheat breeding.
Such investments have helped underpin the progress we’ve made as Ontario grain farmers on many fronts. Through research, we’ve become North America’s leader in sustainable, regenerative agriculture, through techniques such as cover cropping and soil conservation. We’ve secured a niche as the suppliers of choice for food grade soybeans to Japan. And we’ve developed one of the strongest biofuel markets in North America.
Today, the crops grown by Ontario grain farmers cover more than 6 million acres of land in the province. They generate over $4.1 billion in production value and result in more than $27 billion in economic input. They are responsible for more than 90,000 jobs. This kind of progress wouldn’t happen without partnerships… and it all starts with innovation in the field.
To that end, I was happy to be part of the Grain Farmers of Ontario group welcoming Alberta MP John Barlow to board member Jeff Barlow’s farm near Binbrook, in November. We were anxious for MP Barlow to see a state-of-the-art corn operation during harvest, and get a first-hand look at how research results are mobilized on a successful Ontario family farm that has been in operation since 1843.
Research results will be on full display at the upcoming March Classic, taking place this year March 24 in Niagara Falls. Research is always central to discussions at the March Classic, along with thought-provoking speakers focused on breaking new ground and embracing change.
In grain production, research breaks new ground. I’m convinced research partnerships are the way we’ll realize the full potential of Ontario’s grain sector. That’s why we’ll keep advocating for research partnerships and being active participants in the field. •
