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SUPPLY CHAIN STABILITY AND ADAPTABILITY PROGRAM

The Supply Chain Stability and Adaptability Program was launched in 2022, funded by the Government of Ontario. The AAC-delivered program was designed to address supply chain issues, reduce agri-food sector vulnerabilities, increase resilience and strengthen the food supply for Ontarians. AAC delivered the program on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. 

Funded projects included storage upgrades, new food processing line extensions, innovative equipment and technology, and updated food packing facilities Through this merit-based initiative, $9.8M in funding was approved for 98 projects spanning the complete agri-food supply chain across Ontario.

The program wrapped up earlier this year and the AAC is now working with several successful applicants to share project highlights, capture lessons learned and to celebrate successes of this valuable initiative.

This month, we are very pleased to share two new success stories.

Dairy Farm Modernization Sets Stage for Future Growth

Andrew Eisses is passionate about dairy farming, and passionate about carrying on his family legacy in the dairy industry. He's always talked about plans for a new barn that would incorporate the latest advancements in animal housing and technology, but it had never been a possibility. 

With the launch of the Supply Chain Stability and Adaptability Program that offered cost-share funding opportunities, Eisses could turn this plan into reality.

The new barn, which boosts capacity from 110 to 170 stalls, features sand bedding – considered a gold standard for cow comfort and disease prevention – and is a bright, airy design with good ventilation, more space per animal, a modern feeding system and updated milking robots. He was able to create a more resilient farm operation that will not only strengthen the province’s food supply chain but also allow for future growth.

New Grain Drying Capacity Expands Markets for Eastern Ontario Growers 

Eastern Ontario has long been an underserviced area for grain-drying and storage capacity. This has left local grain and oilseed growers no choice but to ship their grains, while limited transport availability has led to increased costs

For Michael and Jennifer Doelman of Bonnechere Haven Farms, a grain and oilseed farm in Renfrew County, the solution was clear: setting up their own on-farm receiving, drying and storage system.

Cost-share funding through the Supply Chain Stability and Adaptability Program helped the project become a reality last year. 

The new on-farm system has had tremendous benefits including opening up market opportunities, off-season premiums, and a reduction in fuel costs and emissions. Storage expansion sets the Doelmans up well to expand their rotation of crops in the future. The added capacity offers other farmers in the region additional drying options as well.

WELCOME CHANTEL TO THE AAC!

AAC CURRENTLY OPEN PROGRAMS

Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative 

Cost effective, safe deadstock management is a priority issue for Ontario's livestock industry. 

The Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative provides cost-share funding support for deadstock management. It addresses immediate and short-term deadstock capacity needs at businesses and municipalities in Ontario. The $1.5 million initiative, funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), will run for two years subject to the availability of funding allocated to the Initiative. 

The maximum cost-share funding assistance available for a project is 40 per cent of total eligible costs to a maximum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) in funding per project. The intake will close on 11:59 pm EST September 15, 2024 or when the funding has been fully allocated.

The Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative (the Initiative) is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The Agricultural Adaptation Council is delivering the Initiative on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Veterinary Incentive Program

Veterinary Incentive Program provides grants for newly licensed veterinarians who practice on food animals in underserviced areas of Ontario. The $5 million program provides eligible veterinarians with up to $50,000 in grant payments.

Applicants must apply to the Program and request funding using the Application Form found online at www.adaptcouncil.org/program/vip. Completed Application Forms are received on a continuous basis.

The Veterinary Incentive Program is funded by the Government of Ontario to provide grants for Newly Licensed Veterinarians who practice on Food Animals in Underserviced Areas of Ontario. The Agricultural Adaptation Council is delivering the Program on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

JUNE LOOK BACK: LOCAL FOOD WEEK WITH THE AAC BOARD

Local Food Week 2024

Prepare for Food Day Canada next month by checking out our videos from AAC Board of Directors. They celebrated Local Food Week last month by sharing their thoughts and favourite local foods.

AAC board chair, Peggy Brekveld talked "Local Food" with AAC board member Sara Wood as part of our annual summer meeting in London in June.

Click here to watch the rest of the AAC Board of Directors videos.

AAC MEMBER EVENT SPOTLIGHT: SHARE THE WISDOM FARM DAY & BUS TOUR

This month, we're putting a spotlight on one of our AAC members, the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association!

Get your tickets for this exciting 2-day learning event in Eastern Ontario! 🚜Don't miss out on their cover crops panel on August 16 for a knowledge sharing event for farmers, and their bus tour on August 17.

This exciting learning day will be hosted at Leacock Farms in Jasper, Ontario.

There will be lots of learning opportunities, including an informative panel on cover crops featuring local farmers and experts and a spray clinic. Don’t miss the Leeds County Federation of Agriculture’s Taste of Success lunch – you’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch while celebrating LCFA’s award winners. With an equipment display and booths, kids zone and plenty of opportunities for networking, this event will be fun for the whole family!

Tickets:

• Summer Event Farm Day - $25 per person. (Children under 12 are free.)
• Summer Event - Bus Tour - $30 per person.