Ensuring that Ontario producers have access to the latest technologies to compete globally & develop new market opportunities.
Established in 1997, Ontario Agri-Food Technologies (OAFT) is a non-profit organization comprised of members from grower associations, universities/colleges, industry and regional governments.
Located in Guelph, Ontario, the organization focuses on ensuring that Ontario producers have access to the latest technologies to compete globally and to develop new market opportunities, many of which are beyond food.
Many recent developments, such as the new technology for genetic manipulation of plants and animals, the emergence of specialty products, increased fossil fuel costs, contract manufacturing and growing, changes in the trade agreements and increased international competitiveness, are now changing the face of agriculture world-wide.
Although Ontario is well-positioned to take advantage of these changes to enhance its agri-food industry, our efforts must be coordinated for the collective economic and social well-being of the province and its citizens. We must move beyond traditional markets of food to new health products, industrial feedstock and fuels.
OAFT’s mission is to provide leadership and coordination in utilizing technology to generate wealth and sustainability for the agricultural and food industries of Ontario by focusing on four key action areas:
- Encourage and support collaboration among public and private research groups to enhance the development and acceptance of products we produce.
- Development, support and coordination of research programs amongst Ontario's institutions; thereby providing new product opportunities, ensuring innovation, efficiency and focus, and establishing new research partnerships and business opportunities, many of which will be in non-food areas.
- Creating a skills and expertise database of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies research scientists in biotechnology and bioproducts to help ensure that the best scientific expertise is used on a specific project. Maintaining this resource will also facilitate communication regarding potential research projects and focus research on relevant applications.
- Securing funding to support research and development of new technologies and importantly, helping to find financing for companies to produce their products.
Funding
-Rapid Responce to Bussiness Opportunties
-Rapid Response to Research Needs
-Capacity Building
