New committee to add international perspectives to Ontario livestock research

An international group of experts is bringing global research knowledge and networks to Ontario’s livestock industry

Livestock Research Innovation Corporation

Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC)’s International Research Advisory Committee will advise the organization on issues, practices and developments across Canada and around the world related to the livestock industry value chain. 

The eight-member committee is chaired by Jim White, a consultant and former animal health industry executive who is also a director on the LRIC board. It will focus on how Ontario can adapt global approaches to livestock research and innovation, how LRIC can be most effective in its role as a knowledge broker and identify topics of interest for more in-depth expert study. 

“LRIC’s mandate is to drive innovation in the Ontario livestock industry to drive competitiveness and prosperity”

“LRIC’s mandate is to drive innovation in the Ontario livestock industry and part of our leadership role on behalf of the sector is to continuously seek new ways to improve research and innovation to drive competitiveness and prosperity,” says LRIC Chair Oliver Haan. “There are many things we can learn from other livestock industries around the world and adapt to our needs here in Ontario to help ensure our research investments are as effective and impactful as possible.” 

In addition to White, committee members include:

• Stanford Blade, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton
• Paul Dick, President, Paul Dick & Associates, Guelph
• Stephen Miller, Deputy Director, Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit, Australia
• Brian Lindsay, Director, Dairy Sustainability Framework, United Kingdom
• Roberto Soares, Corporate Coccidiosis Vaccine Range Manager, Ceva Sante Animale, Guelph 
• Jean Szkotnicki, former President, Canadian Animal Health Institute and Board Member, Livestock Research Innovation Corporation, Guelph
• Oliver Haan, Chair, Livestock Research Innovation Corporation, Guelph 

“We look forward to working with our diverse international committee and mining their expertise and insights for the benefit of Ontario’s livestock industry,” adds LRIC CEO Mike McMorris. 

Established in 2012 with support from Ontario’s beef, pork, dairy and poultry sector organizations and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, LRIC’s mission is driving innovation. The organization takes a value chain approach to research and innovation by providing leadership in research priority setting, coordination and process, identifying and communicating emerging issues, and strengthening networks across the sector. For more information, visit www.livestockresearch.ca.