Ontario has started construction on a new poultry research facility in Elora, backed by more than $24 million in provincial funding and designed to strengthen research capacity for thousands of chicken, turkey and egg producers across the province.
The Ontario Poultry Research Centre is expected to be completed by summer 2028 and will support more than 220 construction jobs. Once operational, the facility will focus on areas including animal welfare, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, biosecurity, meat quality and food safety.
The province said the centre will support more than 1,500 chicken and turkey producers as well as approximately 500 egg and pullet farmers.
“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,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “In the face of unprovoked tariffs, investments like this will help strengthen Ontario’s food security, sovereignty and self-sufficiency while supporting a more competitive and resilient agri-food sector.”
New Facility to Expand Ontario Poultry Research
The research centre will include dedicated areas for layers and pullets, broilers and hatcheries, along with specialized and commercial research wings. Researchers will examine issues ranging from production costs and animal behaviour to flock health, genetics and emerging technologies.
Construction follows Ontario’s previously announced investment of more than $24 million through Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario, or ARIO. The poultry industry’s four feather boards are also contributing to the project.
An additional $250,000 was provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support part of the centre’s design phase.
“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,” said Dr. Rene Van Acker, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Guelph.
Industry Partnership Targets Productivity and Resilience
The project brings together the Ontario government through ARIO, the University of Guelph and four poultry organizations: Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Egg Farmers of Ontario, the Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission and Turkey Farmers of Ontario.
“Research infrastructure plays an important role in providing the capacity to meet today’s needs while preparing for those still to come. The Ontario Poultry Research Centre will expand Ontario’s research capacity and help advance new knowledge, technologies and practices that support an innovative and resilient poultry sector,” said Nevin McDougall, Chair, Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario.
“This groundbreaking is an exciting milestone for Ontario’s poultry sector and the result of years of collaboration and shared commitment. This new facility will give farmers and researchers access to world-class research right here in Ontario, helping us manage risk, prevent disease, and improve on-farm efficiency. On behalf of Ontario’s feather boards, I want to thank the Ontario government, ARIO, and the University of Guelph for their continued partnership and investment in the future the Ontario poultry sector,” said Murray Opsteen, Chair, Chicken Farmers of Ontario.
Farm Groups Highlight Food Security and Innovation
Turkey Farmers of Ontario said research conducted at the centre could translate directly into improvements on farms.
“For Ontario’s turkey farmers, this new facility represents an important investment into research that can be applied directly onto their farms. By advancing work in flock health, animal welfare, sustainability, and emerging technologies, the facility will help farmers adapt to new challenges, enhance how we raise turkeys, and continue providing safe, high-quality turkey products for Ontario families. We are proud to partner in a project that will strengthen our sector for years to come,” said James Schlegel, Chair, Turkey Farmers of Ontario.
Egg Farmers of Ontario also pointed to the importance of research for long-term food security.
“EFO is grateful for the provincial government’s significant commitment to build a brand new, state of the art Poultry Research Centre in Elora. Together with the Four Feather Boards, we look forward to having a facility that alongside academia, we can pursue research that is strategically aligned with our vision for continuous improvement, adopting new technologies and science-based best practices. This research is critical to ensuring food security for Ontarians,” said Scott Helps, Chair, Egg Farmers of Ontario.
“In partnership with Ontario’s feather boards, the Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission is proud to celebrate a major milestone for our poultry sector. We sincerely thank the Ontario Government, ARIO, and the University of Guelph for their support in building the new Poultry Research Centre. Together, this collaboration drives the innovation and research necessary to strengthen the future of the Ontario poultry industry,” said William Bearss, Chair, Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission.
Part of Ontario’s Broader Agricultural Research Network
ARIO owns Ontario’s strategic agri-food research infrastructure network, comprising 14 research station properties covering approximately 5,600 acres and more than 200 buildings. The University of Guelph operates 13 of the research centres through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.
The groundbreaking comes during Ontario’s 28th annual Agriculture Week, running October 5 to 11, and forms part of broader provincial efforts to strengthen domestic food production, agricultural innovation and the competitiveness of the province’s agri-food sector.
Discover more from Wire Service Canada
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.