Guelph Food Technology Centre Leaves The Ontario & Canadian Food Industry With A Wonderful Legacy

June 26, 2014 – With the cooperation of Ontario Food Processors and Producers, the University of Guelph and a $15 million contribution from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (“OMAFRA”), the Guelph Food Technology Centre (“GFTC”) was established in 1994 on the campus of University of Guelph as an independent, not-for-profit corporation with a vision to contribute to the growing competitiveness of the Ontario and Canadian Food Industry.  GFTC’s mission has been to help Canadian food processors and manufacturers to be competitive and highly successful in their markets through the use of technical expertise, technology and innovative solutions that improve their people, processes and products. 

In 2012, after building a strong operation under the leadership of Petra Schennach and Frank Schreurs, GFTC and its Board of Directors began exploring various strategic alternatives to ensure that its mission and vision could be continually pursued in the most effective manner for the years ahead.  In 2013, GFTC merged with NSF International to become one of the largest food safety certifiers in the world.  Today, the combined NSF/GFTC is a global, independent, not-for-profit organization committed to protecting and improving human health and the environment on a global scale, providing services in standards development, product certification, auditing, education, and risk management.  Guelph, ON has been home to GFTC since 1994 and continues to be the head office location for the combined NSF Canada/GFTC.

The GFTC Legacy Fund was established with the proceeds of sale from the merger of GFTC with NSF International.  As a result of the efforts of the former GFTC staff (now NSF Canada staff) and the GFTC Board of Directors, not only does the Canada Food Industry continue to enjoy market-leading food safety services and support through NSF Canada, but GFTC and the GFTC Legacy Fund have been able to contribute approximately $6.4 million to funding, further support and enhance the competitiveness of Canadian Food Processors and Producers.  Funds have been allocated to numerous areas of university and college education, student research and industry work experiences, industry training, young entrepreneur business start-up support, productivity and innovation funding to support established companies and industry projects and financial support for various Guelph, ON community charities. 

Here’s a quick run-down of the GFTC legacy:   

1. 490 scholarships in Food Sciences, Management and Nutrition totalling almost $3 million will be awarded over the next 5 years across 9 Canadian universities and colleges (184 scholarships at the University of Guelph)
2. 203 student co-ops and related work experiences will be supported over 5 years (150 opportunities through the University of Guelph)
3. $350K will support Futurpreneur Canada (formerly Canadian Youth Business Foundation) in a program that includes $15K low interest loans to help young entrepreneurs launch businesses in the Food Production and Processing Sector – leveraged by up to an additional $30 K in loans from BDC for a total of 13 x $45 K, plus numerous other business tools, coaching and support services
4. $1.35 million will support 26 research and development projects to promote productivity and innovation through Canadian Food Innovators and the Canadian Council of Food Processors
5. $500K will support Food Industry training and redevelopment for up to 500 people through the Yves Landry Foundation
6. New food safety legislation training developed through NSF Canada has been sponsored with 140 food industry workers from across Canada participating
7. Various other food processing-related training programs have been sponsored with representatives from 48 food processors and producers participating
8. $250 K in charitable contributions have been made, as chosen by the NSF Canada staff, to further strengthen the Guelph community

Plus,

1. 19 years of support to the Ontario and Canadian Food Industry in the areas of product development, packaging, innovation, efficiency and food safety services

Plus,

1. A dynamic, Guelph, ON-based world leader in food safety & nutrition standards and certification services continues to serve Canadian Food Producers and Processors through NSF Canada

Plus,

1. A capital investment from the Ontario Government at the outset of GFTC provided substantial upgrades to the University of Guelph’s Food Science Building and allowed for the construction of an adjoining 25,000 s.f. facility that is owned by the University (currently NSF Canada’s head office).

The partnership and cooperation over the years among business groups, government and educational institutions to enhance the competitiveness of the Ontario and Canadian Food Industry should serve the Industry well in the years ahead. 

Guelph Food Technology Centre Leaves The Ontario & Canadian Food Industry With A Wonderful Legacy

Guelph, Ontario