Letter of Intent Marks Milestone towards Initiative for Small Ruminant Research

[PETERBOROUGH] - On November 11th at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Trent University and the University of Guelph signed a Letter of Intent marking another milestone towards the creation of an Initiative for Small Ruminant Research. The two institutions were joined by a number of industry partners to formalized their intent to enter into a collaborative arrangement.

The partnership is based on a recommendation made by eBiz Professionals Inc.’s study released in January 2009. The study, which was facilitated in partnership by the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster and industry representatives, concluded that a small ruminant research initiative is both timely and feasible and would build on the synergies that exist between Trent University and the University of Guelph. Representatives from Trent University, the University of Guelph, eBiz Professionals Inc., the Innovation Cluster, as well as several goat producer organizations participated in the formal signing.

“The University of Guelph looks forward to continued work with Trent University and the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster in moving forward with a solid plan to build on our respective strengths in small ruminant and goat disciplines,” stated Professor Rich Moccia, Associate Vice-President Research (Agrifood and Partnerships), University of Guelph.

“Trent University now looks forward to the work ahead for achieving the subsequent full Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. This exciting collaboration will enhance Trent’s emerging agricultural research expertise,” said Neil Emery, Associate Vice President, Research, Trent University.

“We anticipate the creation of future jobs and wealth in the Peterborough and surrounding regions, and the establishment of sustainable production processes for the dairy goat and small ruminants sectors. This collaborative research effort will have a local, provincial, national and international impact and it is entirely appropriate that we celebrate this great news story at Canada’s premier agriculture event, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair,” stated Andy Mitchell, President of the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster.

In the coming months, the two universities will continue to work with the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster and eBiz Professionals Inc. to solidify a collaborative agreement and establish initial research priorities for the two institutions.

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For further details, please contact:

Jaimi Ruoho-Long, Communications Officer, Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster, (705) 743-0777, ext. 2130

Don Cumming, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Governmen Relations Trent University, (705) 748-1011, ext. 6181

Lori Bona Hunt, Associae Director Communications & Public Affairs, University of Guelph, (519) 824-4120, ext. 53338