Aug. 7, 2013, Delhi, Ont. — The former AgCanada research station near
here has considerable potential for new investment, according to a
recent study.
Aug. 7, 2013, Delhi, Ont. — The former AgCanada research station near here has considerable potential for new investment, according to a recent study.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada closed the Delhi Research Station in March 2013.
Erie Innovation and Commercialization has been working with a team of consultants from Synthesis Agri-Food Network since the fall of 2012 to research, assess and develop sustainable recommendations for the future of the station.
The 150-acre site includes a modern, well-maintained laboratory and field facilities in the sand plains of Norfolk County.
LAB SPACE AND GREENHOUSES
The lab space is modest (four principal researchers) with a large capacity for plant growth in chambers and greenhouses.
Extensive field and field-related facilities for the growing and processing of plant and seed material include 114 acres of farm plots, an irrigation system, plant grinding and drying facilities, machinery maintenance and general storage, chemical storage, seed storage and cold rooms.
Through consultations with a 12-member steering committee and local stakeholders, 10 options for repurposing the facility were assessed to evaluate their strategic fit, financial viability and potential achievability.
POTENTIAL USES IDENTIFIED
This screening identified three concepts as strong candidates for the potential future use of the facility:
• Combined-use Agricultural Centre (with several tenants using the facilities and fields).
• Multi-use Facility (a facility not limited to agriculture).
• Privatization (purchase by an agricultural research company or a primary producer).
FULL REPORT ON WEBSITE
Full details on the assessment process and recommendations of the report can be viewed and downloaded from the Erie Innovation and Commercialization website at www.erieinnovation.com.
Erie Innovation and Commercialization will also provide information on the current status of the property. No definite closing date for the sale of the property has been determined at this time.
Investment in this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.
Erie Innovation and Commercialization is an organization focused on pursuing agricultural diversification in the region.
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