Provoking informed dialogues and fostering excellence.
Founded in 1990, the George Morris Centre is a Canada-wide, not-for-profit charitable organization. As an independent think tank, the Centre provides industry decision makers with critical information and analysis on issues affecting the Canadian agri-products sector. The Centre's products and services assist public and private sector clients who are adjusting to change, and those leading the change.

The Centre's Vision:  Canada's Independent Agri-Products Think Tank

The Centre's Mandate:  To provoke informed dialogue on policies and issues, and to foster excellence in the agri-products sector. 

This mandate is central to our research, reports, briefings and advice to industry stakeholders. 

What we'll do for you
Drawing on our knowledge of markets, public policy and management practices, the Centre works on a proprietary basis with clients to strengthen their existing positions, and help them find new ways to prosper.  Our products and services offer knowledge and analysis through targeted programs, workshops and services.  We conduct policy research across all sectors, develop and negotiate strategic plans, alliances and joint ventures, and conduct market analysis. 

• Strategic and policy analysis
• Competitiveness
• Market analysis and forecasting
• Education and training programs for farm managers and agri-food executives
• Value Chain Management workshops and consulting

Count on staff and associates for expertise in these areas:

• Public policy and international trade
• Competitiveness and risk management
• Value chain management
• Water and environmental policy
• Strategic agribusiness management
• Managing business relationships
• Canadian grocery industry
• Livestock, meat and agri-food marketing

Founded on vision and independence
The George Morris Centre was founded as a result of the vision of George Fletcher Morris, LLD., a beef and cash crop farmer from Merlin, Ontario, Canada.  Upon being approached by the University of Guelph to contribute to its capital campaign in 1988, George, a long-time supporter of the University, suggested the establishment of an organization that would focus its energy on ensuring the sustained ability of Canada's agri-food industries to profitably gain market share in domestic and international marketplaces.  The result was the establishment of an independent think-tank, the George Morris Centre, charged with the mandate of bringing new ideas to Canada's agri-products sector in a manner that assists its stakeholders in competing effectively in a global marketplace.

From academia to autonomy
From its inception in 1990 until 1998, the George Morris Centre operated as a department of the University of Guelph.  It did not, however, receive any grants of financial support from the University.  Rather it shared accounting and human resource services.  Seeking true autonomy, in September 1997 the Centre was registered as a non-profit charitable corporation and initiated its transition from the University of Guelph, which was completed in November 1998.

Critical thinking shaping today's agricultural sector
Today, we are still fueled by an endowment fund set up by our fiercely progressive founder. Having grown from a one-person "Chair" to a staff of fifteen very competent and innovative people, we are governed by a Board of Directors drawn from across the country and across the industries in the agri-products sector. We are "owned" by our members and we operate for the benefit of the enhanced competitiveness of Canada's agri-products industries.