Ontario began construction of the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre in Elora, with a government investment of more than $24 million through Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO). It will support more than 2,000 poultry producers and is scheduled for completion in summer 2028.
Ontario began construction of the new Ontario Poultry Research Centre in Elora, as part of its ongoing investment in Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) infrastructure. Backed by more than $24 million from the provincial government, the centre will support more than 1,500 chicken and turkey producers and 500 egg and pullet producers through research on animal welfare, reproduction, nutrition, meat quality and food safety.
“We’re delivering on our commitment to protect Ontario’s poultry farmers by supporting the Ontario Poultry Research Centre, which will equip more than 2,000 chicken, turkey and egg producers with the tools they need to address real-world challenges and seize new opportunities,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
“In the face of unprovoked tariffs, investments like this will help strengthen Ontario’s food security, sovereignty and self-sufficiency while supporting a more competitive and resilient agri-food sector,” he added.
The centre will advance research into animal nutrition, behaviour, genetics, biosecurity, production costs, health and welfare. It will include dedicated research areas for layers and pullets, broilers and hatcheries, as well as specialized and commercial research wings. The facility is expected to be completed in summer 2028 and to generate more than 220 construction jobs.
The construction follows the province’s previously announced $24 million investment through ARIO, alongside contributions from the four feather boards of the poultry industry. The project also received $250,000 from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to fund part of the design phase.
The centre is a partnership between the Government of Ontario, through ARIO, the four feather boards —Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission and Turkey Farmers of Ontario— and the University of Guelph.
“This groundbreaking is an exciting milestone for Ontario’s poultry sector and the result of years of collaboration and shared commitment. This new facility will give producers and researchers access to world-class research right here in Ontario, helping us manage risk, prevent disease and improve on-farm efficiency,” said Murray Opsteen, chair of Chicken Farmers of Ontario, speaking on behalf of the feather boards.
Rene Van Acker, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Guelph, said the centre “will bring researchers, producers and industry together to turn research into practical solutions that strengthen productivity and resilience.”
