ELORA – Construction is officially underway on the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre in Elora.
According to a news release from the Ontario government, the province is investing more than 24 million dollars through Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario, or ARIO, to build the new research facility.
The centre is expected to support more than 2,000 chicken, turkey and egg farmers across Ontario, with research focused on areas including animal welfare, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, health and food safety.
Agriculture Minister Sam Oosterhoff says the investment will help farmers address challenges and create new opportunities.
“We’re delivering on our commitment to protect Ontario’s poultry farmers by supporting the Ontario Poultry Research Centre, which will equip more than 2,000 chicken, turkey, and egg farmers with the tools they need to address real-world challenges and seize new opportunities.”
Photo rendering showing the new poultry research centre in Elora (Government of Ontario)
University of Guelph President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rene Van Acker says the facility will help connect researchers with farmers and the poultry industry.
“We thank the Government of Ontario for investing in the infrastructure that allows U of G to put its research expertise to work for Ontario’s agri-food sector. The Ontario Poultry Research Centre will bring researchers, producers and industry together to turn research into practical solutions that strengthen productivity and resilience, support greater food security and self-reliance, and help secure Ontario’s food future and sovereignty.”
The facility will include dedicated research areas for layers and pullets, broilers and hatcheries, along with specialized and commercial research wings.
The province says construction is expected to create more than 220 jobs, with the centre expected to be completed by summer 2028.
The project also includes contributions from four poultry industry feather boards and 250-thousand dollars through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership toward the design phase.
The Ontario government says the investments are intended to strengthen the province’s food supply and support a more competitive and resilient agri-food sector.
