Agri-food research programs have existed in Ontario for over 100 years. In 1886, the first five federally operated experimental farms in Canada were established. Today, the federal and provincial governments, universities and private industry all play a role in agri-food research in Ontario.

To encourage growth and sustainability in the agri-food and rural sectors, and to ensure research coordination, a provincial system of committees, connected to a national body, works together with an OMAFRA Minister's advisory board, identifying and addressing research priorities.