News Food Safety Research
Deadline approaches for agri-food research initiative

The deadline to apply for a new Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative, with a focus on food safety in fruit and vegetable production, is Jan. 23, 2020.

A research investment of up to $1.85 million is being made by the federal and Ontario governments to help the province develop new cutting edge agri-food technologies, practices and solutions to tackle modern-day industry problems.

The new Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative is accepting proposals for advancing research in food safety, trade, market and growth opportunities, automation, and bio-based production systems, with a maximum of $150,000 funding allocation per project. The deadline to apply is January 23, 2020.

A released document detailing the scope of the projects’ research priorities dove deeper into what food safety concerns are a focus, namely – reducing the number of recalls. A priority for further investigation is looking at what’s the risk profile for Ontario-grown minimally-processed fruits and vegetables and the relationship with production practices such as irrigation water. This is a priority because contamination of these products lead to recalls and outbreaks, so more information and data is needed on how to mitigate these risks.

To be eligible, applicants must have demonstrated capacity to perform quality research and be: a university or college; a research organization or foundation; an industry organization or business; a non-government organization; or a government or government agency.