The Ontario government, through the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) is working with the University of Guelph to invest $6.5 million into the construction of a new Field Crop Services building on the Ridgetown campus.
The investment will centralize agronomy research services, reduce operating costs and modernize the field crops research operations on campus.
Randy Pettapiece, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs made the announcement Monday on behalf of Minister Ernie Hardeman at the site of the new Field Crop Services building.
The new building will support the study of crop production, including best management strategies in crop genetics, nutrient inputs, and integrated pest management.
Ontario-based agri-food research produces new products and practices, which help Ontario farmers, be more competitive and efficient, officials said.
“Building a new home for agronomy at the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph is part of our strategy to modernize our current research network,” Hardeman said in a media release.
“This is a significant long-term investment in field crop research infrastructure, and I want to thank the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and University of Guelph administration for their tremendous support,” said Ken McEwan, Ridgetown Campus Director, University of Guelph.
The new Field Crop Services building will be 12,000 square feet and will provide space for lab and analysis rooms, cold storage, drying space, small and large equipment storage and utility spaces which support the operation of the building.
Construction will be completed by Spring 2022.
