Rural Ontario Institute | Media Centre | ROI invests in leadership and rural economic development capacity through funding from the Ontario government

ROI invests in leadership and rural economic development capacity through funding from the Ontario government

Date: October 8, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rural Ontario Institute invests in leadership and rural economic development capacity through funding from the Ontario government.

GUELPH, ON October 8, 2025 - The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is pleased to announce a provincial investment of $1,722,639.50 over three years in its leadership, data and economic development programs.

“As rural communities seek innovation and new opportunities to address economic development needs, this funding from the province enables us to expand support for leaders and decision makers with tools and programs that strengthen communities,” said Dan Borowec, ROI Chair

ROI develops agile leaders through its world-class Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program (AALP) and Rural Change Makers youth leadership program who shape the future of industries and agriculture and build economic prosperity within rural communities. Through advancement of critical, evidence-based data tools for community planning and wellbeing, ROI and Ontario are ensuring decision makers are well informed and prepared.

“Our government is proud to support rural communities and the Rural Ontario Institute. By ensuring that Ontario has strong leaders and experts from rural communities across the province, we are increasing the capacity of our agri-food sector and protecting the future of our growing rural economies,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.