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:
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Greenhouse, laboratory & field based research complex on sandy soils at Harrow;
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Clay-loam soils at the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Experimental Farm, Woodslee, Ontario; and
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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.
Sector Needs
The Harrow RDC supports innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities related to the following AAFC Science Sector Strategies:
