The University of Guelph has improved its showing in the “Top 50” list of the world’s leading agricultural institutions.

Quacquarelli Symonds, an international education network that publishes the annual World University Rankings, recently released its annual ranking of agricultural and forestry schools.

U of G’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is the top Canadian school at No. 24, eight spots higher than it placed in 2013. The survey considers such factors as overall research impact and academic and institutional reputation.

“This success is due to the quality and effort of our exceptional faculty, staff and students,” said OAC dean Rob Gordon.

“Their commitment, passion and dedication to identifying new innovations and discoveries that support the growth and significance of our agriculture and food sectors is the reason for this global recognition.” In another ranking conducted by Science Watch in 2006, OAC was ranked seventh among universities worldwide for its impact on agricultural sciences between 1996 and 2006.

“The leadership role that we play in supporting agriculture and food in Ontario and beyond is second to none,” Gordon said. “I’m proud that our collective efforts have been recognized in enhanced world rankings.”