About the Institute
Our Mission
Improving Global Food Systems
We bring people together to conduct research, train the next generation of food leaders and shape social, industrial and governmental decisions, always ensuring food is the central priority.
Land Acknowledgement
The University of Guelph is on the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and is part of the Land Between the Lakes Purchase (Treaty number 3). The Dish with One Spoon Covenant made between the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Mississaguas, is an agreement to share territory and protect these lands, now known as parts of Ontario, Quebec and New York State. The Covenant reminds us of our common connection to the land and to each other. Recognizing the contributions and importance of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples is an important part of our collective commitment to make the promise of Truth and Reconciliation real in our communities.
Our Themes
We are working to reduce food system impact on the environment by researching and promoting new ways to meet the needs of the growing human population without destroying the ecosystems on which we depend for life. As the digital agricultural revolution continues, we are working to discover new ways to protect the planet while providing even safer food than ever before. We also pay attention to the consequences that new technologies and approaches to farming bring, especially to jobs and communities.
We are working to enhance community food security and food sovereignty in Canada and abroad. Food is never just fuel but plays an integral role in culture both as a source of unity and of conflict. At the same time, we live in a world of stunning inequalities where both the number of hungry and the number of obese people is rising. Therefore, we can see that food sits at the foundation of community, personal and planetary health. By exploring the links between food safety, sustainability, culture and security we are working with our partners to create the foundations of better nourished communities now and in the future.
We are working to make global food networks more efficient, more transparent, and more sustainable. Canada is a country that both imports and exports large amounts of food and so we are working to identify pressure points that can be resolved by policy, markets or awareness. This will ensure that our global food networks continue to improve the way they offer safety, health, and affordability for all consumers.
What We Do
Arrell Food Institute activities are shaped by needs within the food system and the resources the University of Guelph can provide to meeting those needs.
Our People
Meet The People Behind AFI
Arrell Food Institute’s activities are made possible by collaborations between staff, faculty, students and external supporters.