The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) has taken the first step in helping the province to develop a long term agri-food R&D strategy. The advisory body is working with Argyle Rowland Communications to develop a strategic options paper that will focus on priority setting and coordination of research funding, innovation and commercialization issues, public communications and human resources. ARIO will consult with agri-food stakeholders from across the province before presenting its report to Ontario’s minister of Agriculture and Food this spring. The department will then use $200,000 in new funding announced December 11 (see previous news brief) to develop an agri-food R&D strategy for Canada....