Dairy Farmers of Ontario Celebrates Construction of New Dairy Research Facility

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 9, 2013) - This Friday, October 11, 2013, Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) will recognize and celebrate the official commencement of construction of the $25 million Livestock Research and Innovation Centre Dairy Facility. Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) Board Chair Bill Emmott will be at the ceremony.

The new facility is designed to address the research, education and training needs and priorities of the dairy sector for decades to come. This is a joint project involving the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO), the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation, the University of Guelph and Ontario dairy industry stakeholders. Construction is occurring at the Elora Research Station, operated by the University of Guelph under its partnership agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs.

"A stronger dairy sector benefits all Ontarians. Research and innovation in the livestock sector will ensure that we can continue to provide Ontario families with safe, high-quality dairy products that are on the leading-edge of consumer trends," Emmott says. "We are thrilled that the Ontario government recognizes the importance of the dairy industry in the province by showing its support for this world-class research facility."

DFO has made an initial investment of $1 million, and is inviting industry stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to the industry by becoming a partner in this state-of-the-art facility. The goal is to raise an additional $4 million.

In addition to Emmott other special guests will include: Alastair Summerlee, President, University of Guelph; Stewart Cressman, Chair, Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario; and Ralph Dietrich, Chair, Livestock Research Innovation Corporation.

As this is a construction site, attendees are asked to wear appropriate footwear.