OMAFRA Consolidated Research Priorities (Updated in 2018)

Transcription

1 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (Updated in 2018) August 2018 FINAL

2 Table f Cntents 1: PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT : AGRI-FOOD AND RURAL POLICY ALIGNMENT WITH MINISTRY CORE BUSINESS AREAS DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF THE THEME AGRI-FOOD AND RURAL POLICY RESEARCH PRIORITIES...4 3: BIOECONOMY - INDUSTRIAL USES ALIGNMENT WITH MINISTRY CORE BUSINESS AREAS DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF THE THEME BIOECONOMY INDUSTRIAL USES RESEARCH PRIORITIES : EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ALIGNMENT WITH MINISTRY CORE BUSINESS AREAS DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF THE THEME EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PRIORITIES : ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ALIGNMENT WITH MINISTRY CORE BUSINESS AREAS DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF THE THEME ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH PRIORITIES : FOOD FOR HEALTH ALIGNMENT WITH MINISTRY CORE BUSINESS AREAS DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF THE THEME FOOD FOR HEALTH RESEARCH PRIORITIES : PRODUCTS AND VALUE CHAINS ALIGNMENT WITH MINISTRY CORE BUSINESS AREAS DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF THE THEME PRODUCTS AND VALUE CHAINS RESEARCH PRIORITIES : PRODUCTION SYSTEMS ALIGNMENT WITH MINISTRY CORE BUSINESS AREAS DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF THE THEME PLANT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS RESEARCH PRIORITIES ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS RESEARCH PRIORITIES... 52

3 1: Purpse f this Dcument Research and innvatin is key t helping the ministry achieve its bjectives and supprt the agri-fd sectr and rural cmmunities. The OMAFRA-University f Guelph (UfG) Agreement is a critical means t address the research needs f the ministry and its stakehlders, and t supprt OMAFRA s three cre business areas: Ecnmic Develpment, Stewardship, and Prtectin and Assurance. The purpse f the OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties dcument is t cmmunicate annual updated research pririties fr use directly in the OMAFRA-UfG Agreement Research Prgram call, and t infrm calls fr prpsals under ther OMAFRA-funded research prgrams in seven theme areas: Agri-Fd and Rural Plicy Biecnmy-Industrial Uses Emergency Management Envirnmental Sustainability Fd fr Health Prducts and Value Chains Prductin Systems (plants and animals) Nte t Researchers: Tls and cntacts are available t assist with cmmunicating the value, and where relevant, the market pprtunity f yur research. These resurces are particularly imprtant if develping a prduct, technlgy r service with the intent f cmmercializatin, but may be useful fr all research areas. The tls and cntacts fcus n cmpnents such as identifying the prblem yur research will slve, identifying future market pprtunities, imprtant questins t cnsider in the early stages f the prduct/technlgy/service develpment prcess, et cetera. Tls and cntacts are available n the University f Guelph web site. 2: Agri-Fd and Rural Plicy 2.1 Alignment with Ministry Cre Business Areas This research theme fcuses n all three cre business areas t supprt the sustainable develpment and lng-term success f the agri-fd and rural sectrs. 2.2 Definitin and Scpe f the Theme Ontari s agri-fd sectr and rural regins are significant cntributrs t reginal ecnmies and t the prvince. A key plicy cncern fr OMAFRA is hw t facilitate the sustainable develpment and lng-term success f the agri-fd sectr and rural regins while ensuring that the public interest is served. OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 3

4 The research pririties in this theme are fcused n the ministry s three cre business areas t help build expertise and supprt evidence-based plicy develpment t facilitate the sustainable develpment and lng-term success f the agri-fd sectr and rural regins. They are utlined belw: A. ECONOMIC GROWTH This theme will examine ecnmic develpment pprtunities fr the agri-fd sectr, as well as rural regins. Specific areas f fcus in relatin t ecnmic develpment pprtunities are: Trade and cmpetitiveness Business risk management New and clean technlgies Labur attractin and retentin Trade plicies and sustainability Innvatin and place-based rural ecnmic develpment B. STEWARDSHIP Fr this theme, research will explre plicy tls and evidence t infrm the develpment f plicies that will enable and/r facilitate prducers and agri-fd businesses t sustainably manage natural capital fr cntinued cmpetitiveness and sustainable grwth. Issues fr research in this cre theme will als include farmland prtectin, resurce and energy cnservatin, sil heath, and water management. C. PROTECTION AND ASSURANCE Research under this theme will examine the rle f industry, gvernment and thers in enhancing public trust in all aspects f Ontari s agri-fd sectr prductin practices. D. OVERARCHING Research will examine hw t facilitate access t infrmatin. Fr each f the Agri-Fd and Rural Plicy research pririties belw, plicy issue statements and questins are prvided. These questins prvide cntext and are intended t guide researchers in the develpment f apprpriate appraches t fulfill the verarching plicy bjective. 2.3 Agri-Fd and Rural Plicy Research Pririties A. ECONOMIC GROWTH A1. TRADE AND COMPETITIVENESS Plicy Objective: Prvide supprt t Ontari s agri-businesses t remain cmpetitive in dmestic and glbal markets in respnse t change and challenge in internatinal trade relatins and internatinal markets. Page 4 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

5 Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: Canada and Ontari maintain trade relatins with mst cuntries in the wrld, either thrugh free trade agreements (FTAs), r bilateral trade relatins. One f the gals f trade is t increase Canada s cmpetitiveness by expanding exprts thrugh new FTAs. Even in cuntries where Canada already has an FTA it may be challenging t increase exprts if there are already well-established supply chains between the target cuntries and Canada s cmpetitrs, such as the U.S. and E.U. New FTAs will help Canada t be n an equal fting with its main cmpetitrs, wh benefit frm tariff rate reductins frm earlier FTAs. In rder t prvide sund, evidence-based plicy advice, it is necessary t gain a deeper understanding f new ptential markets in terms f cnsumer tastes and preferences, regulatry envirnment, business culture, transactin csts and lgistics, and level f readiness f Ontari fd prcessing business t successfully expand t these markets. Ontari wrks clsely with the federal gvernment and prvincial cunterparts t ensure Ontari's interests are frnt and centre in trade discussins. This year, the plicy research pririties will be fcused n assessing the readiness f small and medium fd prcessing cmpanies t expand exprts t niche markets in the U.S. and ther grwing markets, lking at ptential scenaris ver the next 5 t 15 years. The research related t trade and cmpetitiveness shuld address at least ne f the fllwing plicy prblems and research questins: A1.1 Current and ptential new Free Trade Agreements Research prblem: T infrm plicy develpment and t help the fd prcessing industry t identify strategic trade pprtunities, it is imprtant t have a clear understanding f hw ptential changes in internatinal trade agreements culd impact Ontari s agriculture and fd system. What are the wider market pprtunities (e.g. India, China, Eurpe, and Suth America), market develpment and market access challenges t successfully engaging the agrifd sectr utside f established exprt markets? What can we learn frm ther jurisdictins with FTAs with these cuntries? What des an FTA with these cuntries lk like fr Canada/Ontari in terms f exprt vlumes, regulatry harmnizatin, lgistics, new prduct develpment, vlume and type f imprt requirements, etc. fr the next five t 10 years frm nw? Given the prvince s factr endwments and prductin ptential, what types f agri-fd prducts are mre likely t be exprted t and imprted frm these cuntries and hw will the agri-fd industry be affected in terms f cmpetitiveness and survival when exprting r facing imprt cmpetitin frm these cuntries? OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 5

6 Hw has the evlutin f trade agreements during the last decade impacted ur natinal trade plicy? Hw will they affect natinal and prvincial plicies during the next 10 years? A1.2 Small and medium size (SMEs) fd prcessing cmpanies level f readiness fr exprting Research prblem: T achieve the gal f facilitating market expansin, the Ontari gvernment shuld lk beynd current traditinal exprt markets. This is particularly imprtant fr helping small and medium size fd prcessing cmpanies, with limited prductin vlumes, t be able t exprt t niche markets. Ontari agri-fd businesses culd fcus n catering t niche markets, prduct differentiatin, and leveraging Canada s reputatin fr safe, high-quality agri-fd prducts. T be able t prvide evidence-based plicy advice, we need t knw the level f readiness f these type f businesses, as well as, what types f cnstraints/barriers these cmpanies culd face, especially when exprting beynd the U.S. T what extent are Ontari fd prcessing SMEs ready t take advantage f these new market pprtunities? What types f indicatrs culd be develped fr assessing the level f readiness f fd prcessing SMEs t engage in new exprt activities in niche markets? What is the prcess, and what types f physical, financial, human and regulatry resurces are needed t establish a cmpetitive edge in these ptential niche markets? What resurces are available t the sectr t supprt prduct differentiatin and exprt develpment? Why d sme individual businesses with exprt ptential nt scale up t pursue trade? What type f incentives d they need t engage in exprts? A1.3 Niche ethnic fd exprt markets Research prblem: Empirical bservatins indicate that sme fd prcessing cmpanies which have successfully expanded t niche markets in the U.S. and ther cuntries have started the prcess by serving ethnic markets in Canada first. This has allwed them t tailr fd prducts and marketing mix accrding t the tastes and preferences f these lcal ethnic cmmunities which has helped them t be ready fr exprting t niche ethnic markets with similar tastes and preferences. In additin t this particular factr, there may be ther idisyncratic elements that play an imprtant rle in the exprt success f these cmpanies. Understanding these success factrs, as well as the cnstraints and barriers these cmpanies have faced when exprting, is very imprtant t help the gvernment rient its advice and supprt t the sectr abut hw t take advantage f new ptential exprt pprtunities. Page 6 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

7 What are the key success factrs that have facilitated small and medium Canadian fd prcessing cmpanies t successfully expand int new niche ethnic fd markets in the U.S. and ther jurisdictins? What are the key characteristics f small and medium cmpanies that have successfully captured niche fd markets in the U.S. and ther jurisdictins? Is there a successful mdel that culd be fllwed by new exprters int niche fd markets? What are the mst imprtant challenges faced by SMEs in the fd prcessing sectr willing t exprt t niche ethnic markets? T what extent d size, labelling, packaging, prduct frmulatin and differentiatin, lgistics and regulatin requirements becme bstacles t accessing niche markets? A1.4 Regulatry C-peratin/Harmnizatin Research prblem: There is limited understanding f the extent f regulatry harmnizatin/cperatin between Canadian and Ontari exprt/imprt regulatins and regulatins in cuntries with which Canada already has FTAs and thse with which the cuntry is pursuing new deals. In particular, it is crucial t understand hw and when a lack f regulatry cperatin/harmnizatin culd becme a trade irritant and hw t deal with it. In the case f the U.S., what are the trade regulatins that have becme trade irritants? Hw big is the prblem? Hw have these prblems have been handled t date and with what level f success? Are there any success stries in ther natinal jurisdictins frm which we culd derive best practices? A1.5 Subnatinal gvernmental rle in trade negtiatins Research prblem: When dealing with trade negtiatins the federal gvernment sets trade pririties that affect the whle natin. Hwever, natinal pririties d nt always crrespnd with prvincial pririties. Hence, trade initiatives that may be crucial at the prvincial level may be f lesser imprtance at the natinal level and may nt get the supprt needed t gain tractin. T prvide strategic advice abut hw t handle these types f situatins fr the benefit f Ontari s fd prcessing sectr, it is imprtant t understand hw can Ontari discver and maximize its distinct psitin vis-à-vis ther prvinces; fr example, by lking fr best practices in agri-fd trade frm ther subnatinal jurisdictins. Hw effective are sub-natinal gvernment interventins in trade negtiatins at affecting the utcme f trade agreements and at advancing sub-natinal trade interests? Is it wrth the effrt? What can we learn frm past experience? OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 7

8 What can we learn frm trade-related crdinatin between subnatinal and natinal gvernments, in Canada and abrad? Where is Ontari specific cmpetitive edge? In which cases, will it be advantageus t pl interests/frces with ther prvinces when trying t advance the prvincial trade agenda? T what extent, and in which areas is Ontari an influencer? Hw can we use this t ur advantage when negtiating with the federal gvernment? Have ther prvinces successfully emplyed specific mdels when negtiating with the federal gvernment? Culd sme f these mdels be adapted t the Ontari-Canada relatinship? Hw d natinal and sub-natinal gvernments in ther parts f the wrld cllabrate t imprve trade? What types f sub-natinal interventins in trade have prven t be effective? A1.6 Cnsumer and industry trends Research Prblem: Cnsumer tastes and preferences are cnstantly changing, sme f these changes are temprary, but thers becme lasting shifts in demand fr prducts r prduct attributes (e.g. nn-gmo, rganic, animal welfare, etc.) It is critical fr the industry t be able t identify the market trends that are ging t strengthen in the future in rder t make the strategic changes in prductin and marketing needed t respnd, lcally and abrad. Over the next 5 t 15 years, what are the majr trends in cnsumer taste and preferences that will impact the cmpetitiveness f Ontari s agri-fd industry glbally and lcally? Hw wuld thse trends differ between the develped and develping wrld? What are the main strengths and weakness f the Ontari fd industry t address these ptential changes? Expected Outcme: The research will enrich the evidence base needed t help ensure that apprpriate gvernment strategies, plicies and initiatives are in place t supprt strng trade relatins and cmpetitiveness in internatinal markets. A2. BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT (BRM) PAYMENTS AND PRODUCER INVESTMENTS Plicy Objective: Prvide apprpriate risk management prgrams that are cmprehensive in scpe and effective in helping manage the impacts f prductin lsses, severe market vlatility, extreme events and disasters. The intent is t give prducers cnfidence t invest in their farm businesses t manage risks that are less severe, and t cntribute t making the sectr cmpetitive, innvative and resilient. Page 8 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

9 Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: One intended benefit f BRM prgrams is t encurage investment in Ontari s farm peratins t innvate and increase cmpetitiveness within a highly vlatile sectr that is significantly impacted by weather, and by wrld markets. D Ontari s BRM prgrams prvide a suitable business climate where prducers can manage risk and have cnfidence t invest? Hw effective are BRM prgrams in encuraging agricultural prducers t make lng-term investments impacting prductivity r prfitability in their peratins? Hw wuld ne assess the ptimal level f gvernment invlvement in BRM tls that prvides prducers with the ability t manage risks, and the cnfidence t make lng-term investments in their peratins? In additin t managing risk, hw wuld we assess the effectiveness f BRM prgrams in encuraging agricultural prducers t make investments in public gds in their peratins, such as envirnmentally sustainable management practices? Hw d we measure the cmplex impact f BRM prgrams ver time? Fr example, by using r develping tls such as business analytics? Fr additinal questins related t Business Risk Management, please see Sectin B5. Expected Outcme: Prvide evidence t shw the impact f BRM prgrams and lng-term investment tendencies f prducers. A3. AGRI-FOOD VALUE CHAINS Plicy Objective: T fster the develpment f fully-functining agri-fd sectr value chains within bth Ontari and Canada, and t fster the entry f these value chains int glbal value chains. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: Ontari has the largest agri-fd sectr in Canada. In 2016, the sectr generated $37.6 billin in GDP, exprted $14.8 billin in prducts and emplyed 11.5% f the prvince s labur frce. Glbally, demand fr fd is rising with ppulatin grwth and an expanding middle class. Ontari has abundant resurces such as land and water t increase utput and serve glbal market demands. But there are barriers t develpment f efficient, fully-functining value chains and t the entry f dmestic value chains int glbal value chains. Research shuld address the fllwing: Determine the factrs that create barriers t the frmatin f effective value chains and the rle that they play in entry t glbal value chains and glbal markets. Where strng, effective value chains exist, what are the factrs that lead t benefits frm having clse ties t a family f suppliers and related businesses? OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 9

10 As ne member f a value chain grws, hw des grwth get mirrred in ther segments f the chain? Frm a sectral perspective, hw des grwth cascade frm increased cnsumer demand alng a value chain? What are the factrs defining hw scale up and grwth can be crdinated alng a value chain? Expected Outcme: The resulting infrmatin wuld enable OMAFRA t develp ptins fr decisin makers n hw best t encurage the develpment f fully functining sectr value chains and their entry int glbal value chains. Nte t Researchers: Researchers seeking help in identifying ptential pririties and cllabratrs may cntact Barb Alves by at Barb.Alves@ntari.ca r by phne at A4. NEW TECHNOLOGIES Plicy Objective: T psitin Ontari as a centre f research and cmmercializatin in agriculture and fd prcessing technlgy. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: Ontari benefits frm the develpment, adptin, and diffusin f new technlgies t imprve agriculture and fd prcessing. It is expected these innvatins will imprve the cmpetitive psitin f Ontari agriculture and fd prducers, r at least prevent them frm falling behind ther cmpetitive jurisdictins. Given the rapid pace f advanced technlgy develpment, there is interest in ensuring that Ontari des nt lag behind in rlling ut new technlgy t the industry but rather fully benefits frm the cmmercializatin f the technlgies. Hw can Ontari s agri-fd sectr be best psitined t adpt and take advantage f these new technlgies? Are there legislative r regulatry barriers that are discuraging adptin? Expected Outcme: The research will prvide infrmatin that will assist the ministry in develping plicies and prgrams t encurage the research and cmmercializatin f innvative new technlgies in Ontari. Nte t Researchers: Researchers seeking help in identifying ptential pririties and cllabratrs may cntact Kevin Ferrar by at Kevin.Ferrar@ntari.ca r by phne at A5. LABOUR ATTRACTION AND RETENTION Plicy Objective: T understand what effrts are needed t maintain the prvisin f adequate and suitably skilled labur t Ontari s agri-fd sectr. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: Demgraphic changes in Ontari/Canada and the intrductin f advanced technlgies are expected t greatly impact the dmestic labur market. Hw will the supply f wrkers, their skillset and their Page 10 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

11 interest in the agri-fd sectr as a career path affect labur supply? Hw can prvincial plicy adapt t ensure that evlving labur needs and emplyer skill requirements can be met best? Expected Outcme: The research will prvide infrmatin that will assist the ministry in devising strategies t ensure that ecnmic develpment in the agri-fd sectr is supprted by adequate access t labur. Nte t Researchers: Researchers seeking help in identifying ptential pririties and cllabratrs may cntact Jill Mel-Graydn by at Jill.MelGraydn@ntari.ca r by phne at A6. DRIVERS TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CLEAN TECHNOLOGY Plicy Objective: Derive insights that wuld impact clean technlgy prgram design t ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency fr bth adpters and prducers f clean technlgy. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: Imprving envirnmental sustainability, decreasing csts and imprving cmpetitiveness are all related in that they tend t deal with imprved efficiency and the reductin f waste. Clean technlgy is any prcess, prduct, r service that achieves all f these things thrugh: 1. Resurce management activities that result in a mre efficient use f natural resurces and inputs; 2. The use f gds that have been mdified r adapted t be significantly less energy r resurce intensive than the industry standard; r, 3. Envirnmental prtectin activities that prevent, reduce, r eliminate pllutin r any ther degradatin f the envirnment. The federal definitin f clean technlgy is very similar. Bth federal and prvincial clean technlgy initiatives demnstrate a cmmitment t use the transitin t a lw-carbn ecnmy as a lever fr ecnmic develpment thrugh the develpment and adptin f clean technlgy ecnmy-wide. Fr example, in the 2017 federal budget, the federal gvernment cmmitted at least $2.2B f funding t this sectr. Research shuld address the fllwing: 1. Many bservers have described the cnflict between envirnmental gals and firm prfitability as a false debate. Hw culd a discurse analysis f clean technlgy prgram adptin, prmtin and clean technlgy uptake in businesses be used t infrm best practices in prgram design and prmtin t ensure that the funding and services that gvernments intend t prvide is effective in accmplishing bjectives? 2. What type f investments wuld bring the mst benefits t the agri-fd sectr (e.g. energy prductivity technlgies, bi-based packaging, autmated prductin line systems cupled OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 11

12 with n-the-line mnitring tls fr temperature, PH, and humidity, r cntaminants t reduce fd recalls, and fd waste) that culd in turn be used t incent adptin? 3. Which sectrs/subsectrs culd benefit the mst frm new r cntinued investments in clean technlgy that culd infrm targets in prgramming? 4. Which emerging lcal and natinal markets prvide the greatest ptential fr new agri-clean technlgy prduct develpment (e.g. bifertillizers, and agri bi-based prducts, water, energy and waste reductin technlgies) that culd infrm targets in prgramming? Expected Outcme: Insights t infrm effective and efficient clean technlgy prgram design t meet Ontari s sustainable ecnmic develpment gals. A7. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT A7.1 Place-Based Ecnmic Develpment fr Rural Ontari Plicy Objective: Understand the rle place-based ecnmic develpment can play t imprve rural prsperity in Ontari. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: There is increasing recgnitin that prsperus rural cmmunities and regins have a few things in cmmn: they tk initiative and cntrl fr ecnmic develpment; strategic planning was dne at the cmmunity and reginal level; and cperatin was sught with ther cmmunities. Place-based ecnmic develpment fcuses n the unique features f particular places and regins, building n existing assets, and using them t attract new investment and strengthen existing businesses. It entails targeting investments t particular parts f the lcal and reginal ecnmy that ffer the greatest ptential. Research is needed t address the fllwing questins: What rle has place-based ecnmic develpment played with cmmunity and reginal prsperity in rural Ontari? What are the factrs that cntribute t successful place-based rural ecnmic develpment and which factrs cntribute t failure? D these factrs differ based n the type f rural cmmunity/regin, including: rural/remte; rural urban adjacent; and rural indigenus? What d existing evaluatins and research shw that place-based appraches have (r have nt) achieved? What cnclusins have been drawn abut the effectiveness f place-based appraches versus ther develpment strategies? What is knwn abut the cst effectiveness f place-based appraches cmpared with ther develpment appraches? Page 12 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

13 Hw des this evidence infrm when and where place-based appraches shuld be used, and the cntextual success factrs? What are the mst effective place-based ecnmic develpment strategies fr rural cmmunities and regins? D these strategies differ based n the type f rural cmmunity/regin, including: rural/remte; rural urban adjacent; and rural indigenus? Expected Outcme: Prvide evidence t OMAFRA and the Prvince n the rle place-based ecnmic develpment can play t imprve rural prsperity in Ontari. Research will als identify effective place-based ecnmic develpment strategies fr rural cmmunities and regins in Ontari. A7.2 Innvatin and Rural Ecnmic Develpment Plicy Objective: T better understand the future impacts f innvatin n rural ecnmic develpment and hw t enhance the innvative capacity f rural areas in Ontari at the cmmunity and reginal level. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: It is widely understd that innvatin is a key cmpetitive factr t sustain r gain reginal, prvincial and natinal wealth. Businesses that develp and successfully implement innvatins permit themselves and, in the prcess, reginal, prvincial, and natinal ecnmies, t achieve higher levels f prductin and develpment, as ppsed t areas with little r n innvative capacity. This implies that a key way t prmte ecnmic grwth and reginal develpment is thrugh the develpment and implementatin f innvatins by firms (e.g. agri-tech and agri-innvatin). Innvatin in this sense encmpasses knwledge in all frms, frm simple and rutine prcedures f everyday life, t the methds f rganizatin and management in enterprises large and small, frm the machines that prduce enrmus quantities which frmally required many wrkers, t the cmplex scientific investigatins that create new inventins and prducts. Given the assciatin between innvatin and increased ecnmic develpment, innvatin is a lgical directin fr lcal, reginal, prvincial and natinal ecnmic develpment effrts. Hwever, innvatin is als creating uncertainty fr ecnmic develpment in the future. Frm 3D printers and the Internet f Things t artificial intelligence and autmatin, new and emerging technlgies are radically changing the way we wrk and the types f jbs we will d in the years ahead. Research shuld fcus n understanding the uncertainty and future impacts f innvatin n rural ecnmic develpment and strategies t prmte innvatin in rural areas at the cmmunity and reginal levels. What lessns can be learned and applied frm a review f the research findings int placebased innvatin plicy in Ontari and similar jurisdictins in the develped wrld? OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 13

14 What appraches have ther jurisdictins utilized t successfully encurage innvatin in rural areas at the cmmunity and reginal levels? Hw have these initiatives cntributed t rural ecnmic develpment? Hw will disruptive technlgies such as 3D printing, autmatin and artificial intelligence impact rural ecnmic develpment, and what strategies shuld rural cmmunities adpt t cpe with and capitalize n these emerging trends? Hw can lcal and reginal ecnmic develpment plicy and prgramming best encurage innvatin in rural areas at the cmmunity and reginal levels? Expected Outcme: This research will prvide essential infrmatin abut hw t encurage ecnmic develpment in Ontari s rural municipalities and regins. Research will als identify strategies that rural Ontari cmmunities can use t build their innvatin capacity and manage technlgical disruptin. B. STEWARDSHIP Ensuring the lng-term capacity f Ontari t prduce fd thrugh farmland prtectin, sil health, envirnmentally sustainable agriculture and fd prcessing, and practive risk management is a pririty. Ontari is hme t sme f Canada s mst prductive farmland. Hwever, much f the prvince s best farmland is under pressure frm urban develpment and ther nn-agricultural uses, cmprmising Ontari s natural capital. Sil, water, energy and ther resurce use thrughut the agri-fd value chain has a number f envirnmental cnsequences. Agri-fd s impacts n the envirnment include: sil ersin and degradatin; declining water quality (including algae blms in Lake Erie); greenhuse gas (GHG) emissins; lss f bidiversity, such as pllinatrs; and resurce depletin. In additin t envirnmental impacts, inefficient and unsustainable practices ften impact agri-fd prductivity and prfitability. The public expects the agri-fd sectr t perate safely and in a sustainable manner, while prviding ecnmic benefits fr all Ontarians, as part f its scial license. With increasing pressures n natural resurces in a changing climate, the need t maintain the prductive capacity f Ontari s agri-fd system thrugh sustainable management is greater than ever. Sund stewardship f ur resurces will prvide fertile cnditins fr ecnmic grwth and enable the cntinued viability f agriculture nw and fr future generatins. While Ontari is well-psitined t becme a glbal leader in sustainably prduced fd, fuel and fibre, research is required t better infrm plicy and prgram develpment t understand hw best t supprt sustainable ecnmic grwth, that enhances cmpetitiveness and efficient use f resurces. Page 14 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

15 B1. FARMLAND PROTECTION Plicy Objective: T better understand the effectiveness f existing farmland prtectin plicies and identify and assess practical plicy respnses that address key land use issues affecting the ecnmic viability f the agrifd sectr. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: As part f the prvince s cmmitment t fstering a thriving agri-fd sectr, Ontari has intrduced several plicy changes t strengthen farmland prtectin and supprt the scial and ecnmic viability f the agri-fd sectr. Under the farmland prtectin theme, research is required in a number f key areas t assess the effectiveness f existing plicy and prvide infrmatin t supprt the develpment f future prvincial plicy and guidance. Research Questins: Beginning and next generatin farmers are expressing cncerns abut their ability t either access land r remain n the family farm. Hw can Ontari s land use planning system supprt beginning and next generatin farmers? What appraches are ther jurisdictins taking t address this issue? OMAFRA s Guidelines n Permitted Uses in Ontari s Prime Agricultural Areas prvide guidance t supprt implementatin f the Prvincial Plicy Statement (2014) with regards t agricultural, agriculture-related and n-farm diversified uses in prime agricultural areas. Research is needed t assess the effectiveness f these guidelines including measures f their perfrmance in terms f supprting farmland prtectin, assessing if the plicy/guideline have increased the numbers f new businesses, and ecnmic benefits and csts fr farmers and municipalities. Research shuld als identify and evaluate best practices fr land use planners t achieve plicy bjectives fr agriculture-related and n-farm diversified uses in prime agricultural areas. Ontari has existing land use plicies requiring the prtectin f specialty crp areas. Research is need t better understand the unique micrclimatic and/r biphysical factrs that can be used t identify specialty crp areas. Hw can these areas with micrclimatic and/r biphysical cnditins be defined either lcally, reginally r at a prvincial level? The Prvincial Plicy Statement (2014) includes lt creatin plicies that are intended t reduce the lss f farmland t nn-agricultural uses, reduce fragmentatin f the land base, and facilitate the cnslidatin and expansin f farm peratins. These plicies have nt substantively changed since Are these plicies being cnsistently implemented acrss the prvince and are they achieving their intended utcmes? Are these plicies leading t unintended utcmes r placing certain agricultural sectrs r rural cmmunities at a disadvantage? What plicy changes might be required t ensure that farmland remains available fr cmmercial agricultural peratins in the future? What ther mechanisms, besides lt creatin, might address cncerns that smaller land hldings need t be prvided fr niche farming and beginning farmers? OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 15

16 Existing prvincial Minimum Distance Separatin Guidelines and Frmula address setback requirements between livestck peratin and ther nn-agricultural land uses. A similar guideline/frmula des nt exist t address dur and ther nuisance issues assciated with nn-livestck agricultural peratins. What are apprpriate measures (i.e. setbacks, buffers and ther best management practices, mitigatin measures) t avid, minimize and mitigate dur impacts and ther nuisance issues frm nn-livestck agricultural prductin (e.g. cannabis prductin, mushrm prductin, etc.) n surrunding agricultural peratins and rural landwners? Expected Outcme: The research will prvide essential infrmatin t OMAFRA and the Prvince t assess the effectiveness f existing land use plicies and additinal infrmatin that can infrm future plicy respnses t emerging land use issues impacting the ecnmic viability f the agri-fd sectr. B2. SOIL HEALTH AND CONSERVATION Plicy Objective: Healthy sil is the fundatin f ur fd system. Declining sil quality (e.g. decrease in rganic matter and nutrient cntent) and quantity (e.g. sil ersin) is putting the prductive capacity and agri-fd system at increased risk. Imprving sil health can cntribute t reduced greenhuse gas emissins and make agriculture mre resilient t climate change. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: OMAFRA has wrked with industry stakehlders and partners and develped a strategy t address shared cncerns ver the lng-term health f Ontari s agricultural sils. Several factrs are believed t have cntributed t bserved declines in sil health, including lng-term reductins in frage and pasture, simplificatin f crp rtatins, and increased spring and fall tillage. Research pririties have been identified t help reverse the decline in sil health and supprt the lng-term viability f the agrifd sectr. Research Questins: What is the current status f n-farm sil management practices in Ontari? This research wuld build n existing analysis f sil related agri-envirnmental indicatrs, assemble and analyze existing data (e.g. census, farm management survey, best management practice adptin data) t braden the analysis f trends and identify gaps in infrmatin, establish cmprehensive baseline measures and infrm decisin-making related t sil health. Three sil indicatrs (sil rganic carbn change, ersin risk, and sil cver) are currently used by Agriculture and Agri-Fd Canada t chart changes in sil at a brad scale. Hw can these indicatrs be mdified t prvide additinal detail at finer scales t supprt implementatin f the sil strategy? What additinal data wuld assist in adaptatin f these indicatrs? What are the ecnmic impacts f sil degradatin and different land management practices (i.e. crp rtatin, tillage, crp residues, cver crps, cmpactin and ther practices)? Cnversely, what is the return n investment in terms f time and mney fr farmers adpting Page 16 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

17 sil health practices (e.g. cnservatin tillage, cver crpping, and sil amendments)? What ecnmic mdeling tls and appraches are best t estimate ecnmic effects? What are the c-benefits f sil health management practices fr farmers (i.e. pest cntrl, reduced input csts) and the envirnment (greenhuse gas emissins and water quality)? Fcusing n reluctant and/r nn-adpters, what types f tls, incentives, learning appraches r strategies wuld be the mst effective in encuraging farmers t make changes t their sil health management practices? Expected Outcme: Effective evidence t be used in the develpment f plicies t supprt imprvements t sil health as well as all plicy/prgram wrk related t the effective implementatin f n-farm best management practices. B3. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND PERFORMANCE Envirnmental sustainability is critical t maintaining Ontari s capacity t prduce fd. Brader public cncerns and glbal demands fr envirnmental sustainability present new pprtunities t increase resurce use efficiencies. Innvative agricultural prducts and services (e.g. plant-based packaging, renewable fuels, nutrient recvery and reuse, ffsets) can achieve envirnmental bjectives while reducing csts r creating value added fr businesses. Demnstrating gd envirnmental perfrmance is imperative t demnstrating the sectr s scial respnsibility and a key driver f public trust in farmers and agri-fd prducers. It als prvides an ecnmic advantage in sme markets, in additin t the quantifiable eclgical gds and services that benefit the Ontari ecnmy as a whle frm a healthy and resilient agriculture landscape. This sectin fcuses n: (1) identifying pprtunities t drive adptin f sustainability practices in the agri-fd sectr, building n recent advances in behaviural insights and scial netwrk analysis methdlgies t help the ministry better target stewardship plicies and prgrams, (2) explring plicy framewrks and tls t help the sectr adpt new technlgies and practices t reduce waste and increase efficiencies (e.g., nutrients, water, waste, energy); and (3) explring pprtunities fr traditinal eclgical knwledge t supprt Indigenus agri-fd prductin. B3.1. Driving Adptin f Sustainability Practices in the Agri-Fd Sectr Plicy Objective: T better understand the range f plicy tls available t increase adptin f best management practices that imprve the agri-fd sectr s envirnmental perfrmance, supprt cmpetitiveness, enable lng term ecnmic prfitability and help t uphld the sectr s scial respnsibility. Plicy Issue Statement: Gvernments arund the wrld are lking t new ways t incent prducers and agri-fd businesses t integrate envirnmental stewardship int mainstream business decisins. Research is needed t better understand the drivers and determinants f adpting envirnmentally respnsible management practices and t explre the range f nn-regulatry plicy tls (e.g., market based tls, infrmatin n ecnmic and financial benefits) available t prmte/supprt increased adptin. OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 17

18 Research Questins: What new plicy tls are being used by ther jurisdictins t incent prducers t integrate envirnmental stewardship practices int their peratinal decisins, and hw culd they be applied in Ontari (e.g. market based tls, scial capital incentives, land-tenure agreements, business risk management)? What factrs influence farmers management chices in crpping and sil management (e. g. shrt r lng term ecnmics, scial nrms, family and scial relatinships, cnvenience, management experience, perceptins, beliefs, impulses, etc.)? Scilgy, psychlgy, neurscience, scial marketing, and behaviural ecnmics can reveal key factrs influencing sil management decisins by farmers. What are the differences in needs and barriers amng farmers regarding BMP adptin (e.g. cmmdity, part-time/full-time, ff-farm incme, learning styles, age, farm size and type, scial factrs, etc.)? What types f strategies (tls, incentives, cmmunicatin and learning appraches) are mst effective at encuraging adptin fr different segments? What types f cmmunicatin and learning appraches best supprt adpting a system f practices t benefit ecsystem health? Are there specific individuals grups r rganizatins cnsidered leaders n stewardship practices? Hw can these scial netwrks be cnnected and leveraged t imprve learning acrss the agri-fd sectr and mtivate adptin f BMPs? Expected Outcme: A set f recmmendatins n hw t mtivate desirable changes in agriculture sectr practices and increased permanent adptin f envirnmentally beneficial management practices. B3.2. Efficient Use f Resurces (water, nutrients, energy, reduced waste) Plicy Objective: Evaluate the range f plicy tls and appraches t incentivize and enable resurce use efficiencies and sustainable use f natural capital as it applies t the agri-fd sectr; and understand the plicy tls required t enable the agri-fd sectr and rural cmmunities t take advantage f sustainable grwth pprtunities (e.g., envirnmental ffsets, carbn neutral farming) and imprved prductivity and prfitability. Plicy Issue Statement: A key challenge fr the agri-fd sectr and rural cmmunities is t achieve cntinued prductivity, cmpetitiveness and grwth whilst increasing efficient use f resurces (e.g., water, nutrients, and land) and reducing greenhuse gas emissins. Understanding new and emerging innvative technlgies, practices and services fr the sectr t imprve resurce use efficiencies as well as ways t measure and demnstrate efficiency utcmes, are needed t infrm plicy and prgram develpment (especially nn-regulatry) that supprts the sectr t implement stewardship innvatin and leverage ecnmic pprtunities. Page 18 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

19 Research Questins: Nutrient/Phsphrus Circular Ecnmy What are the pprtunities and barriers fr nutrient/phsphrus trading n a lake basin scale (e.g. Lake Erie basin), including pprtunities fr recvery and reuse technlgies, in the agriculture and agri-fd sectr in Ontari? Hw can blckchain-type technlgies enhance sustainable prductin, traceability and public trust in agriculture and agri-fd prductin? Rural Green Infrastructure What is the current impact f rural green infrastructure (cnstructed and natural) n management f water quality and quantity in Ontari? What wuld be the mst effective plicies t enhance the use f rural green infrastructure n public and private land fr water quality/quantity, pllinatr habitat, and carbn strage? What are the csts and benefits f expanding the use f rural green infrastructure, and what are the ecnmic and scial drivers fr change? What new techniques and/r technlgies exist t further enhance the use and effectiveness f rural green infrastructure? Fd Waste in Agri-Fd Systems What barriers exist t increasing the amunt f surplus, edible fd that is recvered in Ontari (including infrastructure gaps and scial attitudes, such as miscnceptins abut perishability and stigma assciated with recvered fd) and hw can fd recvery be further prmted as a means f reducing fd waste in Ontari? What cmpstable packaging ptins can the fd and beverage prcessing sectr rely n t successfully reduce waste? What are the barriers t ensuring certified cmpstable prducts and packaging are diverted frm dispsal and hw can they be vercme? T what extent are cnsumers willing t pay a premium t acquire a cmpstable versin f a prduct (r the packaging used fr a prduct) versus a cnventinal ne made frm nn-cmpstable materials? What kinds f incentives, disincentives r ther plicy tls are mst likely t prmpt a change in custmer behaviur (e.g. a financial r ther incentive) t reduce the amunt f green bin waste that is generated at fd service establishments? What pprtunities exist t up-cycle rganic waste materials that are currently being sent fr cmpsting r anaerbic digestin? What barriers (including infrastructure gaps and scial attitudes/miscnceptins) exist t segregating these materials and cmmingling them fr efficient supply t a firm that can make use f them in a valueadded applicatin? Hw can agricultural prducers and prcessrs f packaging materials benefit frm increased use f cmpstable packaging materials? OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 19

20 What barriers affect the recvery, prcessing and distributin f rganic fd waste fr use as an rganic amendment n farms? Fd and rganic wastes are ften distant frm many farms needing sil amendments. Such sil amendments are ften nt widely available, r are available at prices t high fr widespread use. Hw can transprtatin csts and ther challenges be vercme? What rganizatinal appraches can allw efficient acquisitin f rganic amendments by many individual farmers withut high transactin csts? Can pyrlysis r gasificatin technlgy be implemented as a cst-effective means t prcess rganic and ther waste materials in Ontari that may nt be suitable fr current waste diversin methds (e.g., packaged fd waste)? Is the resulting bichar suitable fr agrnmic uses in Ontari? Energy Efficiency and Greenhuse Gas Emissins What are the plicy barriers and pprtunities fr Ontari s rural cmmunities and agricultural stakehlders t transitin tward resurce use efficiency, such as energy self-sufficiency (e.g., waste free prductin systems, carbn neutral farms)? B3.3. Indigenus Traditinal Knwledge Plicy Objective: Better understand the ways in which traditinal knwledge can infrm agriculture and fd prductin appraches and hw it can supprt ecnmic develpment and stewardship bjectives fr indigenus cmmunities. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: Indigenus cmmunities have engaged in sustainable land management and fd harvesting practices in Ontari fr thusands f years based n traditinal knwledge. There are pprtunities fr Indigenus cultural revitalizatin, increased fd security and enhanced ecnmic pprtunities fr Indigenus cmmunities by engaging in the grwth f the agriculture and agri-fd sectr, which will benefit the cultural landscape, envirnment and ecnmy f Ontari as a whle. Research Questins: Hw is Indigenus traditinal eclgical knwledge currently being used in agriculture and agri-fd prductin? What are the barriers and pprtunities t share and learn frm traditinal knwledge t: Supprting Indigenus fd security; Develping new Indigenus ecnmic pprtunities thrugh traditinal fds and ther prducts; and Enhancing envirnmental sustainability practices in the brader agriculture and agrifd sectr? Page 20 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

21 B4. SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: NEW MARKETS AND TRADE Plicy Objective: T better understand market trends related t sustainability (frm lcal t glbal) and the implicatins fr Ontari s plicies and prgrams assciated with market access, trade and ecnmic expansin. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: OMAFRA, Ontari and Canada have an ambitius exprt agenda t drive ecnmic grwth, and is wellpsitined t be a glbal leader in sustainably prduced fd. As the glbal demand fr sustainably prduced fd, fibre and fuel increases and becmes a strnger driver f market access/cmpetitiveness, there is a need t understand hw Ontari s market develpment plicies and prgrams can supprt the sectr t take advantage f these emerging grwth pprtunities, and prmte the lng term sustainability f Ontari s fd prductin capacity, fd system, and rural cmmunities. In additin, it is imprtant t better understand Ontari s relative psitin related t sustainable farming/prductin practices and hw this influences Ontari s cmpetiveness dmestically and glbally. Research Questins: What are the grwth pprtunities and challenges fr dmestic and exprt markets under future climate cnditins (e.g. will fd supply security issues glbally prvide future exprt pprtunities fr Ontari?) and what are the plicy tls required t supprt these pprtunities? Hw and where can Ontari s agri-fd sectr be cmpetitive in the glbal market place by differentiating its prducts and/r prductin practices based n envirnmental sustainability? What are the apprpriate target markets? What envirnmentally sustainable farming r manufacturing practices/prductin systems will be required in rder t cmpete glbally ver the next 3-4 years? What are the market trends n sustainability standards in Ontari and ther jurisdictins? Hw are agri-fd cmpanies and retailers respnding t these trends, which standards are emerging as leaders, and what are the implicatins fr plicies and prgrams that culd supprt Ontari s agriculture and agri-fd sectr t be cmpetitive glbally based n envirnmental sustainable prducts and prductin practices? What are the barriers and pprtunities fr Ontari t retain, expand r access new dmestic and internatinal business pprtunities and markets thrugh envirnmental stewardship? What are the pprtunities fr Ontari s agri-fd sectr t participate in vluntary (nncmpliance) ffset markets (e.g., carbn markets, envirnmental gds and services)? Des the sectr have the capacity t participate, and what might be required t further supprt effrts t participate? What are the incentives and barriers that influence participatin? What nn-regulatry plicy tls and appraches have been effective in ther jurisdictins t achieve ecnmic and envirnmental bjectives in the agri-fd sectr; and what appraches OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 21

22 wuld be mst effective within Ontari s agri-fd sectr (e.g. ffsets markets, industry certificatin standards)? Expected Outcme: The research will prvide essential infrmatin t OMAFRA and the prvince n emerging market trends related t sustainability (e.g. internatinal retail markets), and the plicy tls available t supprt the sectr in retaining market access, and taking advantage f new grwth pprtunities. B5. REDUCING RISK AND BUILDING RESILIENCE IN THE FOOD PRODUCTION SYSTEM Plicy Objective: Increase ur understanding f the risks f climate change and variability and pprtunities ver time, t guide plicies that will build resilient fd systems and supprt fd security fr future generatins. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: Agricultural prductivity is particularly sensitive t the effects f climate change and variability. The Intergvernmental Panel n Climate Change, a scientific and intergvernmental bdy under the auspices f the United Natins, has cncluded that dramatic glbal envirnmental changes are already affecting fd prductin, health and ecsystems, and that the wrld is ill-prepared fr future risks. There is a need t assess the brad ecnmic risks and pprtunities fr Ontari's agriculture and fd prcessing sectrs. Research Questins: What capacity is required t make climate-smart adaptive decisins acrss the agri-fd sectr? What is the readiness/capacity f the sectr (especially small/medium peratins) t adapt (i.e., t take actins that build resilience and cntribute t a resurce efficient ecnmy), and what plicy tls are required t supprt maintaining r imprving adaptive capacity and participatin in resurce efficient peratins (e.g. energy efficient/carbn-neutral farms)? What are the tls, prgrams, systems required t enhance the sectr s capacity t anticipate risks (e.g., pest and disease utbreaks fr animals and plants) under future climate change cnditins? D ur current systems help us anticipate ur respnse needs under climate cnditins? D we have a surveillance system fr plants, and if nt, can ne be develped? Des participatin in business risk management (BRM) prgrams influence farm-level decisins tward lng-term investments that supprt building resilience t adapt t climate variability (i.e., climate adaptive actin)? Hw has climate variability impacted BRM and incme stability? Hw is climate change/variability impacting gvernment liability in prviding BRM prgrams? Expected Outcme: Evidence t infrm develpment f plicies and appraches t manage risk and imprve sectr resilience t climate and ther risks. Page 22 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

23 C. PROTECTION AND ASSURANCE C1. FOOD SAFETY AND ANTI-MICROBIAL RESISTANCE Plicy Objective: T supprt effrts t ensure fd safety prtectin and assurance in the agri-fd sectr. Current plicy bjectives are t: Translate knwledge cncerning antimicrbial resistance t supprt adptin f stewardship practices using methds that are apprpriate t the targeted sectr (e.g., swine, pultry, etc.). Imprve awareness and understanding f antimicrbial resistance in agriculture and fdprducing sectrs thrugh identifying and establishing innvative and effective utreach, educatin and training that elicits measurable imprvements in prducer and veterinary behaviur. Imprve livestck prducer and veterinary understanding f effective practices (e.g., alternative prducts, husbandry practices, etc.) that imprve animal health and reduce the need fr antibitics. Develp knwledge and supprt innvatins in fd safety, animal health and welfare and plant health practices, plicies and prgrams. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: Antimicrbials are an imprtant tl fr prducers t prtect animal health and welfare, hwever, antimicrbials used fr rutine preventin r grwth prmtin can encurage resistance. There is increasing cncern ver the ptential impacts f a changing climate and antimicrbial resistance (AMR) n human and animal health in many parts f the wrld, including Canada. A shift is needed in practices t supprt prtectin and assurance in the agri-fd sectr, including mre prudent use f antimicrbials in agriculture. Fd safety, animal health and welfare and plant health cntinue t be cmplex issues that wuld benefit frm examining new plicy appraches t achieve ecnmic and public prtectin/trust utcmes. Research is needed in the fllwing areas: What are the ecnmic implicatins f a shift in use f antimicrbials, including limiting usage t treatment and use f alternative preventin practices? Frm a cst and sustainability perspective, what plicy tls (e.g., educatin, incentives, legislatin, etc.) wuld be mst effective t supprt behaviral and cultural change within specific cmmdity sectrs r industries in the agri-fd sectr? E.g., reduced use f antimicrbials (animal health); fr emplyee behavir in fd prcessing facilities (fd safety); adptin f a frmal integrated pest management prgram (plant health); reduced number f nn-ambulatry animals r dead animals at sales barns (animal welfare); etc. What are the emerging fd safety risks in Ontari caused by a changing climate? OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 23

24 Expected Outcme: Priritize risk management ptins, prvide infrmatin and supprt fr evidence-based decisins and animal health plicy. D. OVERARCHING D1. DATA D1.1 DATA SHARING AND ACCESSIBILITY Plicy Objective: T supprt evidence-based decisin-making in fd safety and envirnmental plicy by supprting the develpment f tls, strategies and/r mechanisms t facilitate access t infrmatin, and creating incentives fr researchers t share and prvide access t relevant surces f infrmatin. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: A wide range f gvernmental, academic, nn-gvernmental and business rganizatins are invlved in the cllectin and analysis f data relevant t fd safety and envirnmental prtectin in the agrifd sectr in Ontari. Hwever, it is smetimes difficult fr plicymakers t gain access t apprpriate surces f infrmatin t supprt evidence-based decisin-making and perfrmance measurement in a fast-paced and technically challenging envirnment. As a result there is a large and grwing need t better understand hw we can supprt evidence-based decisin-making and perfrmance measurement thrugh the develpment f tls, strategies and mechanisms that will enhance sharing and accessibility f data. Research shuld seek t address ne r mre f the fllwing questins with specific reference t issues in envirnmental stewardship (i.e. sil health, phsphrus, best management practices), land use planning (i.e. farmland prtectin, agri-fd netwrk and/r prtectin and assurance): What strategies, tls r appraches are used by gvernment t access data t supprt evidence-based plicy making and perfrmance measurement? Which f these appraches are mst effective, and hw can prgrams be develped t encurage brader adptin f effective strategies? What data currently exists and is regularly maintained by external rganizatins (i.e. AAFC s crp inventry) that culd supprt evidence-based decisin-making and/r perfrmance measurement fr fd safety and envirnmental prtectin in the agri-fd sectr in Ontari? Hw can the ministry best supprt effrts t enhance the accessibility f this infrmatin? What are the majr gaps in terms f publicly-available data n fd safety and envirnmental prtectin issues within the agri-fd sectr in Ontari? T what extent is this data available in private r prprietary datasets, and what value might it hld t supprt cst-effective evidence-based decisin-making and perfrmance measurement? Which plicy tls, strategies r appraches are mst effective fr encuraging academic researchers, businesses and individuals t share infrmatin with OMAFRA t supprt Page 24 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

25 evidence-based decisin-making, and perfrmance measurement related t fd safety and envirnmental prtectin in the agri-fd sectr? Expected Outcme: Better understanding f the barriers and challenges related t data sharing and accessibility; identificatin f existing surces f data that culd supprt evidence-based making; identificatin f strategies t supprt sharing f data. D1.2 IMPACT OF EMERGING INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES ON AVAILABILITY AND USE OF DATA FROM THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR Plicy Objective: T develp plicy instruments that allw the Ontari agri-fd sectr t take advantage f emerging tls that extract and utilize large amunts f data is a majr pprtunity fr agri-fd prducers and prcessrs. Plicy Issue Statement and Questins: Research prblem: With the widespread scietal use internet-based technlgy, there is an increasing trend twards using the data generated t imprve business decisin making. The use f big data and blck chain, fr example, is expected t have a large impact n smart farming and in the brader supply chain. Opprtunities fr big data applicatins by the agri-fd sectr include, data sharing alng the value chain, inventry management in real time, benchmarking, sensr deplyment and analytics, predictive mdelling fr better management, and fr reinvent business prcesses fr faster, innvative actin and game-changing business mdels. Likewise, gvernments arund the wrld are increasing their capabilities t take advantage f big data fr imprving the effectiveness, efficiency and quality f decisin-making in the public sectr. The USDA, fr example, is investing in big pen data prjects t harness the pwer f agricultural data pints created by cnnected farming equipment, drnes, and even satellites, t enable precisin agriculture fr plicy bjectives like fd security and sustainability. Other leading jurisdictins such as the UK are develping synthetic bilgy radmaps and strategies t capitalize these pprtunities. Sme sectrs f Canadian agriculture are already digitalized mainly thrugh the use f precisin agrifd technlgies and the Internet f Things (CPAF, 2017). Hwever, there is still a vast sub utilizatin f the value f data generated acrss the agrifd value chain. Frm a public plicy perspective, it is imprtant t have a better understanding hw big data and similar applicatins culd be useful fr infrming evidence-based public plicy develpment and fr establishing benchmarks and perfrmance measures fr the agri-fd sectr. In rder t prvide plicy guidance and advise t stakehlders abut use f these tls in agriculture and in fd prcessing cmpanies, it is necessary t develp explratry research fcused n assessing the agri-fd industry s current state f affairs n this issue; the ptential benefits and negative effects that use f big data and ther related tls may entail fr stakehlders in the lng run, as well what the rle f gvernment shuld be in regulating, facilitating, r prmting these type f initiatives. What are the ptential benefits f using big data and similar tls by fr farmers and the fd prcessing sectr? Which are ther benefits? OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 25

26 Are there successful business mdels in big data usage fr agriculture and fd prcessing that culd be adapted t the Ontari cntext? Culd these the use f these tls, under the current regulatry envirnment, cause majr shifts in rles and pwer relatins amng different players in the fd supply chain netwrks nw and in the future? Wh will be the winners and lsers? Hw will gvernance, the frmal and infrmal arrangements that gvern cperatin within the stakehlder netwrk, will lk like in terms f agreements n data availability; data access and quality, security, respnsibility, liability, data wnership, privacy and distributin f csts? What best practices are available, frm ther jurisdictins, in the use f these tls fr imprving evidence-based public plicy making, e.g. thrugh plicy mdelling, mnitring, simulatin, testing, analysis, and plicy cmpliance? What types f methdlgical instruments have been develped fr examining the extent t which plicy-making structures and systems are ready t absrb and analyse the data generated? Hw culd big data and similar tls be used in evaluating the impact f past plicy decisins and t simulate ptential impact f current r future plicies? What the rle f gvernment shuld be in prmting, regulating r facilitating usage f these tls? T what extent culd big data and similar tls be useful fr addressing public plicy questins related t cmpetitiveness, trade, and sustainable grwth f the agrifd sectr? Fr example: Expected Outcme: Develping benchmarks and perfrmance measures fr mnitring cmpetiveness and prductivity; Mnitring imprt displacement and dmestic market grwth; Remving barriers and incenting technlgy adptin and IP develpment in the agrifd sectr; Leveraging natural capital sustainably and preserving reputatin fr quality and safety. The research will prvide an assessment f the current use f big data and ther applicatins fr extracting and sharing data by the agrifd industry, as well as, the physical, technlgical, and regulatry cnstraints impeding the sectr t incrprate in their business the use tls fr extracting and utilizing large amunts f data. It will als prvide plicy recmmendatins abut the ptential rle f gvernment in regulating, facilitating, r prmting these types f initiatives. Nte t Researchers: Please nte the fllwing linkages t pririties described in ther themes t identify ptential synergies and pprtunities: Page 26 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

27 Animal Prductin Systems and Emergency Management als includes pririties related t antimicrbial/drug and pesticide resistance. Prducts and Value Chains als includes pririties related t value chain develpment and assessment, trade and rural develpment. Fd fr Health als includes pririties related t labur attractin and retentin as it relates t fd prcessing. Envirnmental Sustainability als includes pririties related t sil and envirnment health and sustainability. Researchers seeking help in identifying ptential pririties and cllabratrs may cntact UfG s Research Prgram Directr r OMAFRA Theme Research Analyst. 3: Biecnmy - Industrial Uses 3.1 Alignment with Ministry Cre Business Areas The Biecnmy-Industrial Uses research theme is aligned with OMAFRA s pririties fr ecnmic develpment by prmting higher value agricultural prducts and businesses that are based n renewable resurces frm Ontari s agri-fd sectr. This theme als supprts OMAFRA s stewardship pririties by prmting ec-friendly prducts and alternatives t petrleum prducts (bifuels, bichemicals and bimaterials). Agricultural biprducts als prvide pprtunities fr new innvatin and business pprtunities fr Ontari thus helping Ontari t transitin t a lw-carbn ecnmy. 3.2 Definitin and Scpe f the Theme The Biecnmy-Industrial Uses theme encmpasses three majr areas f fcus, all f which invlve use f agriculturally-derived bimass (including fd prcessing residue) t prduce sme type f biprduct. The three majr prduct categries cnsidered are: Bimaterials - includes biplastics, bibased blends, natural fibre cmpsites, bibased nancmpsites, bifams, birubber, bibased paints and catings, biadhesives and biinks, and natural fibres, as well as the resulting end prducts (e.g. textiles, carpets, mats), rigid cmpnents (e.g. tiles, panels, beams and psts, tubes/pipes, casings, r ther frmed prducts), r granulated prducts (e.g. chips, pellets, dust). Bichemicals includes industrial chemicals (e.g. cleaners, lubricants, sealants, slvents, intermediate bichemicals (e.g. ethylene), chemical inputs/feedstcks fr prductin f ther prducts (e.g. ils, phenls, resins) and bitech prducts where at least part f the prduct is a bilgical rganism, r a cmpnent theref (e.g. enzymes, mlecular prbes, micrbes, yeast, bacteria). Bipharmaceuticals and csmetics are cnsidered in the Biecnmy-Industrial Uses research theme, whereas nutraceuticals and functinal fds are excluded, as they are cnsidered under the Fd fr Health theme. OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 27

28 Bienergy includes energy feedstcks and bifuels (e.g. ethanl, methanl, butanl, bidiesel, biil, bigas, pellets, hg fuel) as well as the end prducts (e.g. electricity, thermal energy). 3.3 Biecnmy Industrial Uses Research Pririties FEEDSTOCK RELATED RESEARCH Feedstck-Related Research is defined as research t create unique, sustainable, and/r mre rbust bi-based/rganic feedstcks with the aim f lng-term market viability, envirnmental (e.g. GHG reductin) and scietal benefit. This includes research n rganic waste streams and research int lgistics/delivery f feedstcks, farm gate prcessing, strage, and transprtatin. Pririty areas fr research are: a) Utilizatin f agricultural crp-based residue and by-prduct streams t create value-added biprducts such as lw r negative value by-prducts (e.g. glycerl and lignin frm bifuel industries), r medium value residues such as Distillers' Dried Grains with Slubles (DDGS) frm crn ethanl industries, CO2, and fd prcessing waste streams. Fr example, research int the ecnmic utilizatin f residue and byprduct streams at the site where residue is generated culd be cnsidered. Such research shuld als include aspects f envirnmental sustainability. b) Develpment f new r imprved crps beynd traditinal r existing cmmdity crps. Examples include: i. Agrnmy (yield and agr-climatic suitability), selectin, breeding and use f bitechnlgy t imprve current r develp emerging crp plants with identity preserved traits fr specific industrial chemicals/prducts/applicatins, stress tlerance, value-added feedstck fr advanced manufacturing like bipharmaceuticals; ii. iii. iv. New crps r cultivars f existing crps fr bifuel and ther industrial applicatins, such as paints, catings, lubricants and slvents applicatins; Algae and agrfrestry (e.g., use in biprducts r prcesses linking benefit t agrifd sectr and rural cmmunities); Develpment f new r imprved crps beynd traditinal r existing cmmdity crps. c) Feedstck develpment, quality develpment, prductin ptimizatin, feasibility f strage and supply chain lgistics f bibased feedstcks fr bimaterials, bichemicals, and bienergy PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES RESEARCH Prcessing Technlgies Research is defined as research int methds and prcesses fr cnverting/refining feedstcks t enable cst-cmpetitive prducts fr a variety f industrial uses. This type f research shuld wrk twards an integrated apprach that may cnsider multidisciplinary skills, r multiple feedstcks, r multiple prducts r different technlgies. Prcessing technlgies that lead t nvel r mre efficient uses f bibased feedstck are desirable. The ultimate utcme f Page 28 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

29 this type f research is increased value (ecnmic and envirnmental), either f a single cmpnent r acrss prducts. This type f research includes develpment f prcessing technlgies that meet market needs, and the pursuit f cmmercially viable deplyment. OMAFRA in particular seeks research utcmes fcused n the agri- technlgy side f this cmpnent. Pririty areas fr research are: a) In supprt f a circular ecnmy, prcessing technlgies research cnsiders ttal utilizatin and integrated prductin f fd/feed/specialty crps and high value/added value cprducts (e.g. birefinery, prcessing strategies fr reuse f bibased industrial residues; fractinatin f prcessed fd/feed/specialty crps t capture high value c-prducts which remain after prcessing and cnversin technlgies have been utilized). b) Bilgical (including genmic, enzymatic, yeast), thermal, chemical and/r mechanical (n and ff-farm) prcessing including nantechnlgy-based appraches f the ptimized plant bimass t yield biprducts and enhancement f prcesses fr ecnmic and envirnmental benefits. Fr example: cst-effective methds and efficient prcesses fr cnversin f agricultural feedstck and develpment f enhanced quality parameters. c) Integratin f bibased inputs with existing manufacturing industries (e.g., understanding f fssil-based prcesses and ther bibased replacement pprtunities). d) Cmputer-based mdels in biprduct prcessing fr input/utput csts (gas, waste heat, feedstck preprcess t end prducts). e) Prcessing technlgies fr use f bibased feedstck that are respnsive t manufacturing issues; this culd span all areas f bienergy, bifibre/bicmpsites, r bichemical BIOPRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH Biprduct Develpment Research is defined as scientific research undertaken with the bjective f incrprating the results (if successful) int particular prduct applicatins based n feedstck frm the agri-fd sectr. The prduct may be entirely bi-based, an ingredient substitutin, r bimass used in cmbinatin with fssil fuels. This includes prducts made frm Ontari wdlts, but nt breal frests. Frest prducts/residuals may be a cmpnent r part f a blend, but a prduct which is 100 per cent frm the breal frest is nt included in this definitin. OMAFRA wuld benefit frm cllabrative research with ther ministries and universities in Ontari which are recgnized leaders in this research area. Pririty areas fr research are value added biprducts (e.g., plastics, cmplex chemicals, high-end bimaterials, enzymes, veterinary/pharmaceutical drugs, csmetics/ persnal care prducts, latex, bipesticides, enabling bitechnlgy such as micrbial tls/prducts fr biremediatin and t drive biprcesses), particularly thse that have Canadian feedstck inputs, immediate prcessing pprtunities and market applicatins. Examples include: a) Advanced bifuels, higher-chain alchls, drp-in fuels, bicrude, bichemicals fr platfrm chemicals and bialchl frm lign-cellulsics; OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 29

30 b) Develpment f bichemicals and bimaterials frm crn, sybeans, algae, ther crps, and agricultural residue streams, as equal r superir (e.g., perfrmance, envirnmental and health benefits) substitutes/supplement fr petrchemicals; c) High-perfrmance micr-fibres, nan-fibres, nanparticles, nan catings and carbn fibres fr light-weight, structural cmpsite applicatins; bibased lubricants, durability; d) Bi fillers, cmpsite reinfrcement fibres, and bichemicals frm agricultural residues and bifuel, agriculture and fd prcessing c-prducts streams; e) Carbnizatin, graphitizatin, pyrlysis f bimass fr advanced bicmpsites; advanced carbn material fr green materials (e.g., supercapacitrs fr battery applicatins); f) 3D printing and biprducts develpment and manufacturing fr bimedical and autmtive applicatins, mld design; g) Sustainable packaging fr cnsumer prducts like tys and fd packaging (recyclable, cmpstable, high barrier), and waste utilizatin fr value-added biprducts applicatins t supprt a circular ecnmy BIOECONOMY INDUSTRIAL USES POLICY RESEARCH Biecnmy plicy research is defined as research undertaken t help infrm gvernment decisinmaking. Research can include bth ecnmic and envirnmental impacts f the biprducts sectr, as well as identify areas where gvernment initiatives r ther tls may help stimulate further develpment f the sectr t enable a successful biecnmy in Ontari. The areas f interest fr Biecnmy plicy research include: a) Ecnmic research n biprducts (e.g., bichemicals/bimaterials/bienergy). Specific examples include: i. Feasibility f transitining frm cnventinal manufacturing t bibased r hybrid prductin using agricultural surces; ii. iii. iv. Ecnmic viability f the develpment f biprducts (bichemicals, bimaterials, bienergy) including the birefinery cncept (e.g. several streams f value additin fr the same feedstck), full utilizatin cncept, r implicatins f public plicies fr biprducts develpment; Barriers t scaling up f bichemical/bimaterial industries; Ecnmic and ther related impacts (e.g., impacts t ther sectrs, imprved health, land use changes) f bichemical/bimaterial value chain develpment, including ecnmic returns t primary prducers; v. Identificatin f gaps (ecnmic, technlgy and infrastructure, intellectual prperty prtectin) in biprduct value chains; vi. Ecnmics and barriers f using waste stream materials and ther feedstck; cmpetitive advantage f integrating waste (e.g., fd prcessing waste), agricultural, Page 30 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

31 vii. and frestry feedstck supply chains in attracting platfrm bichemical firms t Ontari; Scan and inventry f regulatry requirements fr any biprducts r prcess t reach cmmercial viability. b) Research int sustainability (e.g. indirect land use changes, specifically intensificatin; sil and water impacts) and life cycle impacts, which can be integrated int planning stages f research prjects. This research wuld cnsider the shrt and lng-term implicatins f bichemical/bimaterial develpment with a view t enhancing their cmpetitiveness. Specific examples include: i. Life cycle analysis f biprducts versus cnventinal petrleum-based prducts (e.g. quantifying the envirnmental impacts, including assessment f GHG emissins reductins) and ecnmic benefits assciated with different feedstcks, prcessing technlgies, prcesses and prducts); ii. iii. Develpment f standards and perfrmance indicatrs fr biprducts (quality standards f feedstcks and biprducts t meet industry requirements, as well as envirnmental, human health and fd safety standards); Demnstratin f c-benefits frm agricultural feedstck r biprducts. c) Identificatin f incentives and disincentives that are r are nt wrking in Nrth America r ther jurisdictins, related t the adptin and utilizatin f feedstcks fr bichemicals and bimaterials. Specific examples include: research n risk mitigatin t be an early adpter f greener prducts r new crp/market switching; risk management fr new crps; prcurement; the rle f financial sectrs/structures. d) Study n cnsumer awareness/perceptins/demand n biprducts (e.g., retail market trends and demand fr biprducts). e) Study n the infrastructure, and regulatry/plicy barriers (municipal, prvincial, and federal) t rganic waste use. f) Study n the cumulative impact f multiple plicies (e.g., clean technlgy, GHG mitigatin) n feedstck use in the prvince fr bifuels and biprducts. Nte t Researchers: Please nte the fllwing linkages t pririties described in ther themes t identify ptential synergies and pprtunities: The Prducts and Value Chains research theme has pririties related t prduct and value chain develpment and assessment that may be relevant t biecnmy prjects. The Plant Prductin System theme als has pririties related t the develpment f new biprducts (e.g. prduct diversificatin pririty). Bipharmaceuticals and csmetics are cnsidered in the Biecnmy-Industrial Uses research theme whereas nutraceuticals and functinal fds are cnsidered under the Fd fr Health theme. OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 31

32 Researchers seeking help in identifying ptential pririties and cllabratrs may cntact UfG s Research Prgram Directr r OMAFRA Theme Research Analyst. 4: Emergency Management 4.1 Alignment with Ministry Cre Business Areas This theme aligns with the Prtectin and Assurance cre business area by fstering research which fcuses n understanding and managing threats and hazards t decrease the frequency r impact f agri-fd emergencies. Ontari s agricultural industries are vulnerable t threats assciated with glbalizatin including the increased mvement f peple, plants and animals, new emerging pests and diseases, sme f which are assciated with a climate that is changing, and the increased urbanizatin f agriculture. Research undertaken in this theme is necessary t place the ministry and industry partners in better psitin t respnd t and recver frm significant threats that negatively impact prductin systems. The research utcmes prvide infrmatin t the ministry that supprts risk assessment and decisin making and the develpment f tls t supprt preventin, respnse and recvery frm agri-fd emergencies. 4.2 Definitin and Scpe f the Theme The Emergency Management research theme fcuses n emerging, re-emerging r endemic pathgens and pests in livestck and crps that require (r may require) an immediate and cmprehensive respnse fr cntainment that cannt be handled with typical resurces. The theme is rted in One Health at the interface f livestck, ecsystem and human health, with a fcus n agriculture. The Emergency Management research theme has an emphasis n evaluating and mitigating the impact f emergencies n Ontari s agricultural sectr and related public health, thrugh the lens f the cre cmpnents f emergency management: preventin, preparedness, mitigatin, respnse and recvery. Nte: Research related t fd safety is funded utside f the OMAFRA-UfG Agreement, thrugh the OMAFRA Fd Safety Research Prgram. Applicants interested in applying fr funding fr fd safety prjects shuld apply t that prgram. 4.3 Emergency Management Research Pririties The research pririty areas fr the Emergency Management Research Theme are: Threat Identificatin, Priritizatin and Pathway Analysis Detectin and Surveillance Preventin and Cntrl Successful research prpsals will align strngly with at least ne f the specific research needs identified in the fllwing pririty areas. Page 32 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

33 THREAT IDENTIFICATION, PRIORITIZATION AND PATHWAY ANALYSIS There is a need t identify and priritize emerging, re-emerging r endemic pathgens and pests that require (r may require) an immediate and cmprehensive respnse fr cntainment that cannt be handled with typical resurces. It is als imprtant t understand the cnditins under which these pathgens and pests may becme a threat (e.g. due t changes in the envirnment). Results f this research will cntribute t the ministry s leading rle in preventin f, respnse t and recvery frm agricultural related emergencies, help fulfill the Ministry s legislative respnsibilities and fulfill cmmitments t ur federal, prvincial and industry partners in emergency management. Specific research needs: 1. Identify, quantify and priritize the impact f changing envirnmental factrs (including changes in the climate) and the increase f prductin f fd in urban areas n the distributin and spread f pathgens and pests in Ontari. 2. Identify and describe the effect f plicy decisins, prductin and management practices n threats t agriculture and related public health within the scpe f this theme (see Sectin 4.2). 3. Identify and quantify the risks f new r expanding transmissin pathways r distributin patterns f pathgens and pests DETECTION AND SURVEILLANCE Preventing the intrductin f a pathgen r pest is the mst effective means t avid r minimize risk, and can be cnsidered the mst cst-effective apprach t emergency management. Effective preventin and cntrl strategies that are affrdable and can be bradly implemented are required. Research is required t supprt the develpment f innvative prducts and appraches, including best management practices. Specific research needs: 1. Define and cllect baseline data abut pathgens and pests within the definitin and scpe f this theme (see 4.2). 2. Identify and evaluate efficient and effective risk-based detectin and surveillance methds and technlgies. 3. Detectin and surveillance fr resistance t veterinary drugs and pesticide resistance within the scpe f this theme (see 4.2) PREVENTION AND CONTROL Preventing the intrductin f a pathgen r pest is the mst effective means t avid r minimize risk, and can be cnsidered the mst cst-effective apprach t emergency management. Effective preventin and cntrl strategies that are affrdable and can be bradly implemented are required. Research is required t supprt the develpment f new prducts, new appraches and best management practices. Specific research needs: OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 33

34 1. Develp effective preventin and cntrl measures fr pathgens and pests within the definitin and scpe f this theme (see 4.2). 2. Assess barriers/facilitatrs t the adptin f preventin and cntrl methds within the scpe f this theme (see 4.2). 3. Research and develpment f efficacius strategies t supprt emergency respnse. 4. Develpment and evaluatin f large-scale destructin methds and dispsal f livestck which minimizes the impact n animal welfare, the envirnment and n the peple invlved. Nte t Researchers: Please nte the fllwing linkages t pririties described in ther themes t identify ptential synergies and pprtunities: Please refer t the Prductin Systems pririties fr research needs relating t animal health, plant prtectin and antimicrbial resistance. Researchers seeking help in identifying ptential pririties and cllabratrs may cntact UfG s Research Prgram Directr r OMAFRA Theme Research Analyst. 5: Envirnmental Sustainability 5.1 Alignment with Ministry Cre Business Areas OMAFRA s Envirnmental Sustainability research theme pririties are strngly aligned with stewardship gals f the ministry by prviding scientific knwledge and expertise t address agri-fd sectr s agri-envirnmental issues like sil health, water quality, nutrient management and changes in the climate. 5.2 Definitin and Scpe f the Theme The Envirnmental Sustainability (ES) research theme fcuses n maintaining the ability f natural resurces (sil, air, water and bidiversity) t supprt and strengthen agriculture, fd and biprduct sectrs and rural cmmunities by evaluating envirnmental, ecnmic, and scial perspectives. In rder t supprt lng-term sustainability f the agri-fd sectr (agr-ecsystem and fd system) and address the cncerns f sciety, OMAFRA invests in this research theme t: 1. Understand the agriculture and fd sectr s ptential risks and benefits t sil, water, air and bidiversity resurces; 2. Prvide science fr the develpment f credible and evidence-based gvernment plicies, prgrams, new technlgies and practices; 3. Assess the effect f envirnmental plicies n the agri-envirnment, agri-fd sectr s ecnmics and rural sciety; and 4. Identify pprtunities fr agriculture, fd and biprducts sectrs, and rural cmmunities t prvide slutins fr envirnmental challenges. Page 34 OMAFRA Cnslidated Research Pririties (updated in 2018)

35 5.3 Envirnmental Sustainability Research Pririties The Envirnmental Sustainability research theme is fcused n three main pririty areas as given belw. Understanding the science hw drivers and stressrs influencing the agri-fd system s interactin with the natural envirnment. Managing effects f the agri-fd system using best management practices (BMPs) that cnsider ecnmic, envirnmental and scial implicatins. Defining ptimum agri-fd prductin system and measuring their prvincial impact. The abve three pririties are built n a cntinuus imprvement apprach t address ES research needs that supprt a sustainable agri-fd system. Figure 1 describes the ES research cntinuum shwing the linkages between ES research pririty areas in mving twards a sustainable agri-fd system. The basic and applied research related t agri-envirnmental drivers and stressrs will infrm develpment r imprvement and implementatin f best practices t achieve desired agrienvirnmental utcmes. Assessing perfrmance will help t understand if we are able t make any imprvement thrugh the adptin f agri-envirnmental best practices and als t infrm what new knwledge r cntinuus imprvements in best practices is needed. Figure 1: Envirnmental Sustainability Research Cntinuum The three research pririty areas are described belw with key deliverables. Research prpsals shuld clearly describe hw they address ne r mre f the fllwing pririties. OMAFRA Cnslidated Pririties fr Research Prjects Page 35