Harrow Research and Development Centre

The Harrow Research and Development Centre (Harrow RDC) located in Harrow, Ontario was established in 1909. It is the largest greenhouse research complex facility in North America, and is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres.

The Centre is associated with three satellite locations:

• Greenhouse, laboratory & field based research complex on sandy soils at Harrow;

• Clay-loam soils at the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Experimental Farm, Woodslee, Ontario; and

• The Ontario Development and Technology Transfer unit located in Guelph, Ontario.

Areas of Research

Harrow RDC develops and transfers new technologies for the production and protection of greenhouse vegetables and field crops, including soybeans, dry beans, corn, winter wheat and tomatoes. It is a lead contributor in research on the quality and sustainable use of Ontario soils as methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses from agricultural soils. This activity enhances the environmental health of farmlands in the Great Lakes basin.

The Harrow RDC is one of seven sites where field and greenhouse trials on potential pest management tools and technologies are conducted for AAFC’s Minor Use Pesticide Program.

Harrow RDC is the location for the Canadian Clonal Genebank greenhouse and orchard.

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

Sector Needs

The Harrow RDC supports innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities related to the following AAFC Science Sector Strategies:

• Horticulture
• Agro-Ecosystem Resiliance
• Oilseeds / Cereals and Pulses
• Biodiversity and Bioresources

Meet our Scientists

Find out more about the scientists at Harrow 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.