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IN THIS ISSUE:

• Agri-Food 2050 Event Registration
• Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative
• Veterinary Incentive Program
• August Lunch n' Learn, AI 4 Food
• Seeding Digital Skills Program
• AAC Member Events
• The Innovation Scouting Fund
• WSIB's Health and Safety Excellence program
• AAC's July Townhall

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR AGRI-FOOD 2050 EVENT

What will Ontario’s agri-food sector look like in 2050?

Join the Agricultural Adaptation Council for Agri-Food 2050, a forward-looking event bringing together leaders from across Ontario’s agri-food landscape. From primary producers to researchers, processors, and policy makers, this gathering will bring the industry together to envision the future of agri-food in Ontario.

The event will draw attendees from across the broader sector including representatives from primary agriculture, agri-business, food processing, agri-food research, and government. Through meaningful dialogue and collective insight, this event will focus on collaboration, innovation, and long-term resilience, laying the groundwork for a thriving, adaptable and sustainable agri-food future.

The Agri-Food 2050 Industry Event will:

• Generate dialogue and prioritize critical forces (change drivers) impacting agri-food resilience.
• Create an industry-wide, unified commitment to plan for and manage the future.
• Seed action groups to tackle priority issues and opportunities.
• Build energy around what’s possible.

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Location: The Brock Niagara Falls Fallsview, Tapestry by Hilton, 5685 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls

Time: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM

RAPID RESPONSE TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Looking to Grow Sales and Reach Global Buyers?

Eligible Ontario agri-food businesses can now access up to $10,000 in funding to support travel and meetings that drive export growth. This initiative helps companies pitch new products, close deals, and enter new markets.

This initiative is funded by Grand River Agricultural Society and administered by AAC helping Ontario businesses accelerate export success and tap into new markets.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE VETERINARY INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Building a Healthy Livestock Sector in Ontario!

The Veterinary Incentive Program (VIP) provides up to $50,000, paid over a 5 year period, to newly licensed food animal veterinarians who practice in designated underserviced areas, or additional underserviced areas that are able to demonstrate the clients are underserviced in their geographic area. 

VIP serves as an incentive for veterinarians who choose to provide service to food animal producers in areas of Ontario with recognized veterinary access issues to help provide quality care to livestock producers. 

AI FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND FARMING WEBINAR

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Food and Farming

Discover how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of food and farming in this compelling session led by Dr. Rozita Dara, Associate Professor at the University of Guelph and Director of Artificial Intelligence for Food at AI4Food.

Through real-world case studies, Dr. Dara will explore the transformative role of AI in building more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. The session will highlight innovative applications in agriculture—from disease surveillance to automated harvesting—and outline strategies for fostering a responsible AI innovation ecosystem.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how cutting-edge technology is driving sustainable change across the agri-food sector.

SEEDING DIGITAL SKILLS PROGRAM

Ontario’s agri-food sector is evolving. Are you keeping up?

We are pleased to share the Seeding Digital Skills Program on behalf of our AAC member, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council. It is a free 12-week online training designed to help Ontario agriculture and food businesses adopt digital tools to improve how they work. Whether you’re managing a farm, greenhouse, ag service, or food processing facility, this program will help your team become more efficient, more adaptable, and ready for the future.

Join the webinar on July 30 to find out if this program is right for your business. You will learn what is included, and how to apply for it.

• When: July 30 at 12:00 p.m.
• Where: Online – Zoom

Register here.

UPCOMING EVENTS FROM AAC MEMBERS

Summer Farm Day & Tour

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association invites you to spend a day at Simcoe County farm in heart of the Georgian Central region!

The 2025 Summer Farm Day & Bus Tour is happening Aug 22-23 in Stayner, Ontario, and it’s packed with innovative soil health practices & hands-on insights.

LEARN MORE

Stories of Innovation at Ferme Houle Farm

Join Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario for an exciting Field Day on August 13.

This field day features Fèrme Houle Farm and their latest soil health trials, including no-till soybeans, polycropping experiments, plus a drone demonstration.

LEARN MORE

Breakfast on the Farm

Farm & Food Care Ontario Ontario is inviting you for the breakfast on the farm. 

On August 23 in Norfolk County, enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast, meet animals, explore orchards & lavender fields, and learn about Ontario agriculture. 

LEARN MORE

INNOVATION SCOUTING FUND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The AAC is excited to share Canadian Food Innovation Network’s newest funding opportunity: the Innovation Scouting Fund.

This program will connect innovators with a leading Canadian food manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or foodservice company to run a funded pilot. You bring the solution. They bring the challenge, the infrastructure, and the environment to prove it works.

If you’re selected, you’ll receive up to $75,000 in matching funding to put your technology to work in a commercial setting. It’s matchmaking, but with fewer awkward coffee chats and more impact.

Think your tech is ready to prove itself in the wild? Applications are now open until August 30th, 2025.

LEARN MORE

WSIB'S HEALTH & SAFETY EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

A recent study by the Institute for Work & Health highlights the positive impact of the WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence Program (HSEp) for small businesses across Ontario.

The research shows that participants are making meaningful, lasting improvements to their workplace health and safety practices, often despite limited resources. With the support of WSPS consultants, businesses are gaining a better understanding of key concepts, implementing effective safety policies, and building a strong internal safety culture.

A DAY OF CONNECTION AND COLLABORATION

A Day of Connection and Collaboration

This month, the AAC and Canlead teams came together for a full day of meaningful engagement!

The morning was dedicated to thoughtful strategic discussions, while the afternoon offered a chance to unwind and connect over a BBQ lunch in the park. It was a day that balanced collaboration with community—and a reminder of the strength in coming together.