Advancements in the area of goat and small ruminant research took a huge step forward yesterday as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) announced that they were supporting the Centre of Excellence for Goat Research and Innovation with $485,000. The dollars will be used to enhance the market for goat dairy products, meat and fibre by elevating the level of research and understanding about the genetics, animal health and products in order to serve the growing ethnic markets in Canada.
Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal and Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Rick Johnson made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Carol Mitchell,, Food and Rural Affairs at Grasshill Farms in Bobcaygeon. Andy Mitchell, President of the Centre of Excellence for Goat Research and Innovation, explained that the dollars would ensure that goat producers would have a greater opportunity to compete in markets as the innovation and research advances. It will also increase animal health, food safety and will improve the viability of rural economies.
The Centre of Excellence for Goat Research and Innovation is an industry led partnership between the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster, Trent University, the University of Guelph, Ontario Goat and the Ontario Dairy Goat Cooperative. Research will be undertaken in collaboration by Trent University in Peterborough, the University of Guelph in Guelph and the private sector. Neil Emery, VP of Research & International at Trent University stated that researchers from the institutions will collaborate to build on current strengths in an effort to streamline the process and not duplicate efforts.
Also present at the announcement was the President of the Russian Goat Association who is in Ontario to engage in export and research collaboration opportunities to strengthen the Russian goat industry. Through an interpreter, he brought greetings from Russia and spoke to the benefits of international partnerships and his very positive view of the Ontario goat market.
For more information regarding the Centre of Excellence for Goat Research and Innovation and this announcement, please contact kyoung@gpaedc.on.ca
