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IN THIS ISSUE:

• AAC Membership FarmFood360 program
• Opportunity for fully funded digital marketing training
• New dairy technology
• Meet our AAC Board
• Applications open for Veterinary Incentive Program
• Women in agri-food
• Grand River Agricultural Society's SPARK V4 Symposium
• Upcoming member events

VIRTUAL FARM TOUR LAUNCHED TO PROMOTE ONTARIO GINSENG

A new communications initiative launched this month to promote Ontario Ginseng to audiences around the world. A set of videos shed light on how the high-value specialty crop is grown and processed to meet a growing demand both domestically and abroad.

The project was undertaken by Ontario Ginseng Growers Association (OGGA), one of AAC's 55 member organizations that represent Ontario's agri-food sector. The videos tackle challenges in cultivating the crop, the labour intensive aspects of harvest and processing, the industry's dedication to quality assurance and the attributes contributing to Ontario-grown Ginseng's reputation as the highest quality product available globally. Nearly 95% of Ontario's Ginseng is grown for the export market.

This project is the latest in a series of videos funded by AAC's Membership Farm Food 360 Program, a partnership with Farm and Food Care Ontario which assists AAC member organizations in promoting their sectors and building consumer trust in food grown and processed in Ontario.

The centerpiece of the project is a virtual tour highlighting the experiences of the Mel Family who operate Brilin Farm, an OGGA member near Simcoe. The immersive video, shot with 360 technology, explores how this unique specialty crop is grown and harvested, and captures the dedication and expertise required to produce high-quality Ontario ginseng. A further video segment explores the delicate art of ginseng processing as explained by Schelling Yeh of Great Mountain Ginseng.

Click the link below and take a journey with Ontario ginseng.

Contact us for more information about the AAC Membership FarmFood360 program or to connect to previous video projects that highlight Ontario's vibrant agri-food sector

OPPORTUNITY TO UPGRADE YOUR DIGITAL MARKETING SKILLS

The AAC is pleased to share this valuable opportunity available to businesses in the Agricultural Technology sector - including Primary Agriculture, Food & Beverage Processing and Manufacturing, Food Retail & Wholesale, Input & Service Suppliers, and Foodservice Providers.

Digital marketing skills are in high demand across all industries, including Agri-Food! Now, you can access a $3,999 training program at NO cost to elevate your marketing game!

Jelly Academy is offering fully funded digital marketing training, through Digital Marketing Skills Canada, thanks to Upskill Canada (powered by Palette Skills), and the Government of Canada.

This program is perfect for:

✅ Small business owners managing their own marketing

✅ Entry-level marketers looking to expand their skill set

✅ Team members who support marketing efforts and need tactical know-how

📅 Start Date: April 16 (On-Demand Video Modules)

🛑 Limited seats available – don’t miss out!

NEW DAIRY TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASED

A new promotional video from GEA Farming features cutting-edge feeding solutions available for Ontario's dairy industry. The video introduces the DairyFeed F4500 robotic feeder and is set on location at Cecibay farms near Navan, Ontario. Cecilbay Farms was able to acquire this innovative technology with cost-share funding from the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative (ATII). This new technology will allow the farm to efficiently feed up to 300 cattle per day, optimizing feed management and improving overall farm productivity.

Funding for this project comes from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) a 5-year $3.5-billion investment by federal‐ provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada's agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.

The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) is delivering the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. 

MEET THE AAC BOARD

The AAC is governed by 16 board members nominated by AAC's 55 member organizations representing Ontario's full agri-food value chain. In their roles as board members, their leadership and industry expertise is a vital factor in the success of the organization. This month, we sat down with Ashley Knapton and asked her about her experience on the Agricultural Adaptation Council board and her perspective on how the organization is impacting the agri-food industry.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE VETERINARY INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Exciting Opportunity for Newly Licensed Veterinarians in Ontario!

Are you a recently licensed veterinarian (within the last five years) who is currently practicing or interested in relocating to serve food animal producers in underserviced areas in Ontario?

The Veterinary Incentive Program (VIP) offers up to $50,000, distributed over five years, as an incentive for veterinarians who choose to practice in areas of Ontario facing veterinary access challenges. This program aims to support high-quality care for livestock producers in need.

Help make a difference in Ontario's agricultural communities while advancing your career in veterinary medicine!

Contact the Agricultural Adaptation Council today at info@adaptcouncil.org.

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 Agribusiness

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN AGRI-FOOD: A CONVERSATION WITH SARAH ACCHIONE

The AAC celebrated International Women's Day in March by recognizing womens' contributions to building a strong, vibrant agri-food industry for Ontario. In this feature, we share an interview with AAC board member, Sarah Acchione.

In this interview, Sarah shares her journey navigating leadership in agri-food, highlighting the challenges she has faced and the resilience it takes to drive change. She also gives advice for the next generation of women in the industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, confidence, and perseverance.

GRAND RIVER AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY SPARK V4 SYMPOSIUM

JOIN AG AND ENVIRO TECH INNOVATORS AT SPARK V4 IN ELORA

SPARK V4 Symposium is presented by Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS). This year we are continuing to showcase new high-growth potential emerging companies. This is our 4th annual SPARK Symposium designed to accelerate Canadian Ag Tech and Green Tech companies who are seeking to expand their businesses and add new product lines!

EVENT DETAILS:

• DATE: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
• LOCATION: The GrandWay Events Centre (7445 Wellington County Rd. 21, Elora)
• TIME:11:30 am - 5:00 pm

Full event details and registration CLICK HERE

UPCOMING EVENTS FROM AAC MEMBERS IN APRIL

Organic Council of Ontario

Regenerative agriculture is gaining traction among Canadian producers and buyers, but what does its future hold?

Join Manitoba Agriculture on April 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST for a thought-provoking discussion.

LEARN MORE

Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association

During Maple Weekend producers show you how maple syrup is made.

Experience the traditional maple sugaring craft and taste why pure Ontario maple syrup is a favourite springtime treat.

LEARN MORE

Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers

Join the OPVG on April 2 for Cucumber Day, they'll cover the latest trade updates, micronutrient management, closed transfer demonstrations, and strategies for controlling Phytophthora capsici.

LEARN MORE