Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO)
Mission Statement
"ARIO, as appointed representatives of the agri-food sector, are dedicated to the strategic use of science and innovation to enhance the sustainability and profitability of Ontario's agri-food and rural sectors"
On this page
- What is ARIO
- What is ARIO's Role
- Who is on ARIO
- Who provides secretariat services to ARIO
- Governance documents
- Reports
- Expense claims
- Ontario's Open Data Directive
- Recommended for you
What is ARIO
The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario is a corporate body which reports directly to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. It was created in 1962 by the ARIO Act to:
- advocate areas of research for the betterment of agriculture, veterinary medicine and consumer studies
- increase the production efficiency and marketing of agricultural products by stimulating interest in research.
What does ARIO do
Provides strategic advice, advocacy and leadership:
The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario provides advice to the Minister on strategic directions for research activities that contribute to prosperous, competitive and sustainable agricultural and food sectors and rural communities in Ontario. ARIO is also an advocate for the future of OMAFRA's research system.
Research property management:
Research stations and infrastructure are an important platform for conducting agri-food research. ARIO owns 17 research properties located across Ontario. These facilities provide the capacity for research on a wide variety of agri-food issues. An ARIO-led reinvestment strategy is currently being implemented to revitalize research infrastructure to support demand-driven research. More about the properties.
Who is on ARIO
Administrator
The ARIO Director of Research administers the business and affairs of ARIO and is appointed to the position by the minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Appointed members
ARIO is comprised of up to 15 members who reflect the broad based nature of Ontario's agri-tech industry such as:
- farmers
- agribusiness and rural partners
- researchers
The Institute 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
Ex-officio
A director from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada serves as ex-officio to ARIO. He or she gives ARIO a federal perspective about research activities across Canada.
2021-2022 Members
Member | Appointment Date | Expiry Date |
---|---|---|
Mr. Lorne Hepworth (Chair) | January 18, 2019 | January 18, 2022 |
Ms. Rose Gage (Vice Chair) | September 10, 2014 | March 8, 2024 |
Dr. Gord Surgeoner | June 2, 2005 | January 17, 2022 |
Mr. Evert Veldhuizen | January 2, 2019 | January 1, 2022 |
Mr. David Jenkins | November 30, 2020 | November 29, 2023 |
Mr. David McInnes | November 30, 2020 | November 29, 2023 |
Mr. Nevin McDougall | November 30, 2020 | November 29, 2023 |
Mr. Ken Wall | December 7, 2020 | December 6, 2023 |
Dr. Youbin Zheng | January 21, 2021 | January 20, 2024 |
Ms. Jennifer Doelman | March 8, 2021 | March 7, 2024 |
Ms. Denise Hockaday | July 8, 2021 | July 7, 2021 |
Marie-José Loffredo | -Ex-officio | - |
Who provides secretariat services to ARIO?
The Research and Innovation Branch of the ministry provides secretariat support to ARIO and administers research programs on behalf of ARIO. The following staff play a key role:
Role | Name | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
ARIO Director of Research | LeeAnn Walker | 519-841-3587 |
Director, Research and Innovation Branch | Jen Liptrot | 519-826-4172 |
Governance documents
- Memorandum of Understanding between ARIO and OMAFRA
- ARIO Business Plan 2014-17
- ARIO Business Plan 2015-18
- ARIO Business Plan 2016-19
- ARIO Business Plan 2017-20
- ARIO Business Plan 2018-21
- ARIO Business Plan 2019-22
Reports
- ARIO Audited Financial Statements 2020-21
- ARIO Audited Financial Statements 2019-20
- ARIO Annual Report 2018-19
- ARIO Audited Financial Statements 2018-19
- ARIO Audited Financial Statements 2017-18
- ARIO Annual Report 2016-17
- ARIO Annual Report 2015-16
- ARIO Annual Report 2014-15
- ARIO Annual Report 2013-14
Expense claims
Ontario's Open Data Directive
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:
Recommended for you
For more information:
E-mail: research.omafra@ontario.ca