Guelph Research and Development Centre

The Guelph Research and Development Centre (Guelph RDC) located in Guelph, Ontario was established in 1997. It is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres. 

Watch the Pilot Plant Program video

Areas of Research

The Guelph RDC focuses on research and development in food safety and value added food attributes to help foster a profitable agri-food sector in Canada. A unique pilot-scale food research facility (Containment Level-II) and analytical facilities enable scientists to study pathogen survival rates during food processing and identify healthy food attributes. This work helps Canada continue to lead in food safety and promotes the availability of healthy foods.

Search Research projects from the Guelph Research and Development Centre to learn more about what we do.

Sector Needs

The Guelph RDC carries out innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities in support of AAFC's Strategic Plan for Science, which include: 

• Agri-food

Addressing food safety threats to the value chain

Guelph RDC has a lead role in food safety research with emphasis on the control of bacterial pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, mycotoxins, and chemical threats in food production systems. A major focus is on developing and validating novel or current food processing technologies for enhanced food safety (biological and chemical threats) in a biosecure pilot plant infrastructure. Scientists are also investigating the microbiological and chemical safety in food production and manufacturing processes through developing novel green biocontrol tools and adapting current processes to comply with the current regulatory controls, such as antibiotic use and sodium reduction.

Improving attributes of agricultural commodities for food and non-food uses

Research is conducted to investigate and characterize the effectiveness of health promoting attributes of current or novel food raw materials and ingredients from Canadian agricultural origin that are of interest in food production systems. This research includes:

• Demonstrating bioaccessibility, bioavailability and efficacy of bioactive compounds in vitro and in animal models;
• Working with breeders and producers to support  marketing of crops and developing foods with health enhancing properties; and
• Collaborating with science partners to demonstrate the human health benefits of novel functional foods and ingredients to support industry health claims and the availability of healthy food choices.

Meet our Scientists

Find out more about the scientists at Guelph Research and Development Centre through their profiles below.

You can also visit the Fields of Science campaign featuring 11 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists from coast to coast. Discover why they chose to pursue a career in agriculture and learn more about their research.