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The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) celebrated a major milestone at its 30th Annual General Meeting, held virtually on December 4, 2025. Members and partners from across Ontario’s agri-food sector gathered online to recognize three decades of collaboration, innovation, and industry leadership.
The AAC was pleased to welcome key government partners in attendance. The Honourable Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs brought greetings from the Government of Ontario--both, expressing an appreciation for AAC’s leadership and its ongoing contributions to a strong and resilient agri-food sector over the last three decades. Hadley Carpenter of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada also provided remarks highlighting the importance of strong partnerships that have led to meaningful advancements across the agri-food industry.
Board Chair Peggy Brekveld and Executive Director Melanie DiReto reflected on AAC’s achievements and current programs. Board Secretary Sarah Acchione provided an update on AAC’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, while Ruth Knight, Chair of the Board 2050 Committee shared progress on the Agri-Food 2050 initiative. Highlights of the Agri-Food 2050 Initiative over the past year included a September 2025 industry-wide kick-off event that brought together more than 130 leaders from over 70 agri-food organizations to launch long-term industry planning. Key takeaways emphasized the need for collaboration, future-focused leadership, and coordinated action. Next steps which include the formation of an industry-led steering committee and thematic working groups tasked with developing action plans on key priorities
It was also widely acknowledged that AAC is well positioned to guide the process and create the space necessary for the broader industry to convene and map its preferred future. The AAC will be releasing an Agri-Food 2050 report which will outline the vision and process for change, progress made, contributing organizations and stakeholders, and a series of next steps which include the formation of an industry-led steering committee and thematic working groups tasked with developing action plans on key priorities.
We were also proud to present the inaugural the Kelly Duffy Youth Leadership Award. This brand new award honours the legacy of a long-serving AAC board member who’s commitment and dedicated service to Ontario’s agri-food sector was truly inspiring. The winner of the 2025 award is Melissa Karpenko, who has a long involvement with Agricultural Organizations. Melissa clearly embodies Kelly Duffy’s passion for the agri-food industry, willingness to serve her community and collaborate with others.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Peggy Brekveld for her remarkable 10 years of service on the AAC Board. Her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on the organization and the agri-food sector.
The day included the election of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, the full list can be found below.
As the AAC celebrates 30 years of impact, we are preparing for change and positioning itself for growth to embrace new opportunities on the horizon, with a renewed commitment to strong sector collaboration.
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