The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph is internationally renowned for its research, teaching and knowledge extension in the broad areas of food, agriculture, communities and the environment.

The OAC community includes 3,700 diploma, undergraduate and graduate students, 35,000 alumni, 140 faculty and 600 staff members. Our community also has a strong sense of shared purpose: To Improve Life by inspiring leaders, generating knowledge and creating innovative solutions for food, agriculture, communities and the environment.

Established in 1874, OAC is a founding college of the University of Guelph. Today, it includes two campuses located in Guelph [1], and Ridgetown, [2] Ontario as well as a province-wide network of campuses, field stations and research facilities. It is comprised of six academic units:

• Department of Animal Biosciences [3]
• Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics [4]
• Department of Food Science [5]
• Department of Plant Agriculture [6]
• School of Environmental Design and Rural Development [7]
• School of Environmental Sciences [8]

Ridgetown Campus

Founded in 1951, what was known as "Ridgetown College" became a University of Guelph campus in 1997. Ridgetown Campus is 450 acres and located in the small town of Ridgetown, Ontario. The campus delivers associate diploma, certificate, apprenticeship and continuing education programs and is utilized for agri-food research and graduate studies. On average, the campus has 500  students. Research started on the campus in 1922 as a demonstration farm to address agricultural production in southwestern Ontario. Throughout the years the campus has grown and research has evolved to include a wide range of innovative research, extension programs and business development activities. Visit the Ridgetown Campus website [9].

The Arboretum

Established in 1970, The Arboretum encompasses 400 acres adjacent to campus featuring plant collections, gardens, walking trails, natural woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. The Arboretum connects people with nature and enhances teaching, research, and outreach at the University. The Arboretum is integral to many undergraduate courses, and acts as a 'living laboratory', providing support, expertise, and a wide variety of plants, species, and environments for researchers at all levels. Visit The Arboretum website [10].