Dairy Farmers of Ontario Announces Two Leader Donors for Dairy Innovation Partnership

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 8, 2014) - Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is pleased to recognize the first two Leader Donors for the Dairy Industry Innovation Partnership: Dupont Pioneer and EastGen/Semex.

DFO is spearheading the Dairy Industry Innovation Partnership which will ensure a healthy long-term future for the Ontario and Canadian dairy industry. The hallmark of this partnership is the new dairy research facility being built at the Elora Research Station.

The provincial government, through the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO), has provided $20 million. DFO has made an initial payment of $1 million, as a first step, and is now reaching out to industry stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to the industry by becoming a partner in this project. The goal is to raise an additional $4 million.

"This commitment by Dupont Pioneer and EastGen/Semex demonstrates their leadership and belief in the need for continuing research, education and training for the betterment of our industry for the next generation of dairy farmers and industry stakeholders," said Bill Emmott, DFO Board Chair.

Construction of a new state-of-the-art dairy research facility at the Elora Research Station began in July, 2013 with a target completion date of October, 2014. This is a joint effort involving the ARIO, the University of Guelph and Ontario dairy industry stakeholders. The new facility is designed to address the research, education and training needs and priorities of the dairy sector for the next several decades. More information on the program is available here.

Dupont Pioneer and EastGen/Semex will be recognized for their contributions at DFO's Annual General Meeting which is being held January 8 and 9, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario.