More than $10 million in funding for three genomics research projects at the University of Guelph was announced Friday.

Much of the money comes from a federal organization called Genome Canada, with the provincial government and private sector also contributing.

More than $6 million is going toward one project carried out in conjunction with Kitchener-based Hybrid Turkeys. Guelph animal biosciences professor Christine Baes will take technology she developed for other animals and adapt it to turkeys, searching for ways to improve turkey health and productivity through genetics.

About $3.4 million is going to a plant science professor who is looking at finding ways to improve the productivity of canola crops, while a food scientist will work with Parmalat Canada and $1.4 million to find ways to increase production of aged cheddar cheese.

The Guelph projects are three of five in Canada to receive funding this year through Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program.