Until a board of directors is in place, Grain Farmers of Ontario has yet to outline specific goals and objectives for their research efforts. In the meantime, staff are following the goals and objectives laid out by the 3 founding organizations.
Ontario Corn Producers' Association
SHORT TERM goals involve the participation in and support of public awareness efforts that build confidence in and promote positive perceptions of Ontario's corn producers and corn production. Also includes are the review, approval and monitoring of research proposals of primary interest to OCPA members and promote innovative approaches to public sector funding for corn related research. As well our goal is to ensure the interests of corn producers are enhanced under proposed environmental stewardship regulations, legislation and policy (ie. source water protection, nutrient management, etc.). This includes promoting positive public perception of the agri-food sector, specifically as it relates to Ontario corn producers. Finally, we strive to enhance the usefulness and value of corn performance testing.
MEDIUM TERM goals include partnership with appropriate affiliations to monitor, assess and provide direction to governments on proposed regulations, legislation and policy concerning source water protection, research priorities and funding issues, global harmonization of regulations, access to new technologies and climate change. Medium term goals also include support of research projects with strategic impacts on corn production in the following areas; agronomic, biodiversity of the corn plant, market development and business environment.
LONG TERM goals include the enhancement of the business environment and profitability for increased corn production in Ontario with the lowest environmental footprint possible through investment in research.
Ontario Soybean Growers
The world of soybean production and marketing is undergoing significant change. On the production side, growers face a new array of pests and diseases such as aphids and soybean rust. At the same time, soybean markets are being influenced by a shift in end uses. An anti-trans fat movement in the food sector and a growing trend toward biofuels will impact the type of soybeans we grow and how the crop is valued.
Ontario Soybean Growers, representing soybean farmers in Ontario, considers investment in research a key strategy to improve the business environment for growing soybeans in Ontario. Past investment in research has led to new varieties, better pest control, and new market opportunities.
Our research must be on the cutting edge to address challenges that lie ahead for the Ontario soybean industry. The research strategy developed by the Ontario Soybean Growers strives to address current challenges as well as anticipate emerging issues.
Ontario Soybean Growers have awarded research funding for 2007 in three focus areas: soybean pest control, soybean agronomy, and soybean utilization.
Under soybean pest control, research is funded that will provide growers with up-to-date and effective management strategies to battle current and emerging diseases and insect pests. Exciting new work is underway on soybean aphids, cyst nematode, and soybean rust.
Yield and quality generate value for farmers. That is why soybean agronomy is a research priority. With this in mind, farmers are investing in projects that provide improved tools to optimize the growth and development of the Ontario soybean crop. This includes bio-systems for weed control and advancing yield, and development of new varieties with added stress tolerance.
Producing a great soybean crop is only part of the equation. We need to support research to increase the usage of Ontario soybeans and maximize value. This is a key factor in reinforcing a solid business environment for farmers. Target areas include developing even better food grade soybeans, bio-product development for industrial uses of soybean oil and protein, and economic analysis of new market opportunities and strategies.
Together, this research is an important investment into the future of the Ontario soybean industry.
Ontario Wheat Producers' Marketing Board
The Research and Market Development Committee uses the following objectives to enhance the wheat industry in Ontario:
- Identify the most important issues for research and market development
- Ensure the best return on investment by balancing priorities when selecting projects
- Complement the efforts of public and private researchers
- Access public funds to achieve results that will benefit the industry
Collaborate, partner and contract equitably with research institutions, suppliers, and customers on research issues