GUELPH – Grain Farmers of Ontario has opened its annual call for Research Letters of Intent (LOI). Representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers, Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization.

Grain Farmers of Ontario see the investment in research as a long-term strategic initiative of that targets opportunities which will enhance farmer-member profitability and sector competitiveness. 

Paul Hoekstra, Vice President of Strategic Development, Grain Farmers of Ontario describes the initiative as having three carefully integrated goals. “Innovation continues to be the cornerstone of progress in grain farming,” said Hoekstra. “Each year, we work closely with farmers, researchers, and industry leaders to identify research priorities and address real challenges and opportunities.

“Our goal is to invest in impactful projects, strengthen public research partnerships, and foster private sector involvement.”

Their goals are to be accomplished in four overall priority areas: Agronomy and production, weed, disease and insect pests, crop quality and utilization, and breeding and genetics.

Each year, Grain Farmers of Ontario identifies priorities which it chooses to direct increased research investment. This year three research priorities have been identified as:

  • Integrate 4R nutrient stewardship practices for commercial fertilizer with other nutrient sources (e.g., cover crops, manure application, biosolids) and validate 4R practices to improve farm profitability and reduce N losses and GHG emissions per unit of crop production.
  • Develop integrated weed, disease, and insect pest management strategies that consider multiple management options, biology and epidemiology of the pest, and prevention of pest resistance to trait and pesticide control measures. Of particular interest are projects addressing tar spot in corn and white mould in soybeans.
  • Develop effective crop residue management practices to minimize residue challenges, and maximize crop production, profitability.

Researchers can review Grain Farmers of Ontario’s updated 2026 Research Priorities and submit an LOI addressing those priorities by Fri., July 18, 2025 (by 4:30 p.m.). Complete details regarding updated research priorities, the Call for LOI process, and the current template for submissions can be found on the Grain Farmers of Ontario website (gfo.ca.)