Strengthening Sector Partnerships and Agricultural Extension in Ontario

Hosted by the University of Guelph (U of G) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) through the Alliance.

Every year, this symposium brings together participants from government, academia, industry and regional communities to support networking and capacity development in the agri-food Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) community, and to learn more about ongoing KTT projects funded by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.

Join us on May 12, 2026 at the Arboretum at the University of Guelph and online to:

• Explore the role of sector partnerships in supporting an innovative, resilient, and sustainable agri-food sector in Ontario.
• Learn best practices for strengthening extension and on-farm adoption of best management practices.
• Hear perspectives from Alliance researchers on successful collaboration and extension work.
• Connect with peers and partners across the agri-food and rural sector and research ecosystem.

Agenda

8:30-9:00 a.m. Registration and Networking

9:00 - 9:15 a.m. Welcome and Introduction

9:15 - 10:15 a.m. Keynote Address: Effective Extension - Engaging Producers and Fostering Collaboration Across the Agri-food Industry

10:15 - 10:45 a.m. Networking Break

10:45 - 11:30 a.m. Panel Discussion: How are agri-food researchers engaging with partners to enhance research impact?

11:30 - 12:15: Fireside Chat: Exploring the agri-food KTT ecosystem and the role of sector partnerships in supporting an innovative, resilient, and sustainable agri-food sector in Ontario

12:15 - 12:30: Closing Remarks

12:30-1:30 p.m. Lunch and Networking

Online participants will be provided with a Zoom link in their registration e-mail.