Harrow Research Centre conducts open house for the public
- Donna Tuckwell
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The weather cooperated last Saturday for people from all over Windsor-Essex to visit the Harrow Research Center to learn about what they do and explore some of the machinery that gets used for planting and harvesting.
Sergio Paulo, director of the London, Harrow, and Guelph Agricultural Research Centers, said the Harrow Research Center holds open houses every three to five years to connect with the community, share research updates, and answer questions about future projects.
“All of the research we do here is related to agriculture,” Paulo explained.
Established in 1908, the Harrow Research Center focuses on soil research, sustainable agricultural practices, crop rotations, and greenhouse innovation. Being located in the heart of Canada’s commercial greenhouse industry, the center has been closely tied to greenhouse growers for decades.
The facility has 2.6 acres of specialized greenhouse research compartments, where scientists work to help commercial growers increase yields while maintaining sustainability.
“This is one of the most passionate places you’ll see agricultural research being done for Canada,” Paulo said. “We are providing sustainable practices that will keep our generations thriving for years to come. This is an amazing place to work, and I encourage students to visit us. We host many university students from across the country and are training the next generation of agricultural researchers. Agricultural research is a critical part of Canada’s success in the years ahead.”
Patrick Handyside, Senior Water Management Engineer for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, also attended the open house. Representing “Living Labs Ontario” with a colleague from Guelph, he explained that there are 14 Living Labs across Canada focused on water quality, surface runoff, subsurface flow, and water seepage.
The Ontario project emphasizes greenhouse gas mitigation and carbon sequestration. “The farmer we’re working with is implementing strong farming practices to make sure those things are happening,” Handyside said. “It’s all about the water.”
Catherine Cooper, a research technician with the Field Entomology Lab, shared how her team is developing solutions that reduce the use of pesticides.
“We help farmers identify ways to control pests, whether predatory or parasitic, by moving toward more natural and sustainable options,” she said.
One of the region’s most pressing issues is the Cereal Leaf Beetle, which affects grains, oats, and wheat. Both the larvae and adults feed on leaves, significantly reducing yields, and the pest is now widespread across Southern Ontario.
The event also featured a barbecue hosted by the local 4-H Club, with many families attending to learn more about the center’s work and its impact on Canadian agriculture.
Harrow Research Centre conducts open house for the public
By Donna Tuckwell