Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario
Learn about the agency that reports directly to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness on research related to the agri-food sector.
Overview
Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) is a board-governed agency of the province and is accountable to the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness. ARIO was created in 1962 and the ARIO Act outlines the legislative roles and responsibilities of the agency. In 2024, the ARIO Act was modernized to help the agency support the sector better in the future in areas like equipment, technology, veterinary medicine, and the needs of rural communities related to agriculture and food, including:
- Advise the minister on research and innovation in agriculture and food.
- Set up research and innovation programs in agriculture and food. Also, encourage and support these programs.
- Consult with experts in academia, research, production, processing, and the food industry. This helps identify new research needs and promotes coordination in agricultural research.
- Build and improve relationships that boost research and innovation in agriculture and food.
- Boost interest in research to drive innovation and commercialization in agriculture and food.
- Promote and support knowledge sharing in agriculture and food.
Vision statement
ARIO’s vision is to enable high-impact, transformational agri-food research.
Mission statement
ARIO is a trusted, authoritative, credible organization reporting to the minister on:
- research and infrastructure priorities, partnerships, and programs
- optimizing and leveraging the research infrastructure owned by ARIO
- driving research into action, evaluating and communicating the value of research
- fostering a prosperous, sustainable and resilient agri-food sector
Responsibilities
Provides strategic advice, advocacy and leadership
ARIO advises the minister on research and innovation strategies. These efforts aim to enhance Ontario's agricultural and food sectors.
Research property management
Research centres and infrastructure are an important platform for conducting agri-food research. ARIO owns 14 research properties in Ontario. ARIO research centres cover 5,600 acres of farmland and include more than 220 buildings. These facilities provide the capacity for research on a wide variety of agri-food issues.
An ARIO-led reinvestment strategy is now underway. It aims to improve research infrastructure. This will help support demand-driven research. Learn more about the properties.
Membership
Managing director
The managing director of ARIO has responsibilities related to the administration of the ARIO’s business affairs. The Public Service Commission appoints this director as a public servant under Part III of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006.
Appointed members
ARIO has up to 15 members. They represent the diverse agri-tech industry in Ontario, including:
- farmers
- agri-business innovators
- rural partners
- academic researchers
The members are committed to:
- excellence and innovation in agri-food and rural research
- relevance of research to needs of industry and society
- efficient, well-informed decision making
- ethical research practices
Federal advisor
A director from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada serves as a federal advisor to ARIO. This non-voting role provides ARIO with a federal perspective about research activities across Canada.
Current ARIO members
| Member | Appointment date | Expiry date |
|---|---|---|
| Nevin McDougall (chair) | January 18, 2025 | January 18, 2028 |
| Rose Marie Gage (vice-chair) | September 10, 2014 | March 7, 2027 |
| Lorne Hepworth | January 18, 2025 | January 18, 2026 |
| Youbin Zheng | January 21, 2021 | January 21, 2027 |
| David Jenkins | November 30, 2020 | November 30, 2026 |
| David McInnes | November 30, 2020 | November 30, 2026 |
| Jennifer Doelman | March 8, 2021 | March 8, 2027 |
| Denise Hockaday | July 8, 2021 | July 8, 2027 |
| Evert Veldhuizen | January 2, 2019 | January 2, 2028 |
| RJ Taylor | January 21, 2025 | January 21, 2028 |
Secretariat support
The Research and Innovation Branch of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) provides secretariat support to ARIO and administers research programs on behalf of ARIO.
ARIO secretariat (general administration and inquiries)
ARIO@ontario.ca
Gregory Wootton, managing director, ARIO
Gregory.Wootton@ontario.ca
Douglas Reddick, director, Research and Innovation Branch
Douglas.Reddick@ontario.ca
Documents and reports
- Memorandum of Understanding between ARIO and OMAFA
- Business plans
- Annual reports
- Expense claims
- Financial statements
Open data inventory
Under Ontario's Open Data Directive, provincial agencies are required to post a public data inventory of the data sets they create, collect and/or manage.
View the ARIO data inventory.