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IN THIS ISSUE:

• Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative
• AAC Agri-Food 2050 event
• Managing agriculture safety webinar
• New AAC members
• Veterinary Incentive Program
• AAC member events
• Mental health awareness month

RAPID RESPONSE TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Is your company looking to grow sales and connect with global buyers?

Funding is available to eligible Ontario businesses to facilitate connections and sales meetings that will expand exports of new and innovative products, processes and technology. Companies can receive up to $10,000 to support travel and other related costs to help pitch Ontario agri-food and products and close deals with global buyers.

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

AGRI-FOOD 2050 EVENT: SAVE THE DATE!

Wednesday Sept 17, 2025 - Brock Hotel, Niagara Falls 

Envisioning the future of agri-food

The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) is bringing industry leaders together to envision the future of agri-food in Ontario. The inaugural Agri-food 2050 Event will draw attendees from across the broader agri-food sector including representatives from primary agriculture, agri-business, food processing, agri-food research, and government. 

Agri-Food 2050 is a project of AAC, an industry-led organization comprised of more than 60 Ontario agri-food organizations. AAC draws on 30 years’ experience with agri-food program design and delivery, its role in creating strategic industry partnerships and in serving as a thought leader for Ontario’s agri-food sector.  

AAC has invested in the creation of a collaborative framework for the full agri-food sector to prepare for the future—building partnerships, identifying strategy and sharing knowledge industry wide.  

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 

Registration and further details to come. Click here for more information about Agri-Food 2050.

We look forward to hosting you for a day of engaging dialogue, knowledge sharing and strategy building to lay the foundation for a strong, resilient agri-food sector. We’re stronger together! 

MANAGING AGRICULTURE SAFETY WEBINAR

Don’t miss our upcoming Lunch n’ Learn on June 25th: Managing Agriculture Safety Without a Safety Department

Program Overview:

Running a farm or agri-business is demanding, and workplace health and safety can sometimes fall down the priority list—especially when there’s no dedicated safety department in place.

Our upcoming webinar, "Managing Agriculture Safety Without a Safety Department," is designed for busy farmers and agri-business owners who are balancing multiple roles while trying to stay compliant and keep their teams safe.

Whether you’re new to health and safety or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide practical guidance and tools to help you manage risk and protect your workforce.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• How to identify and reduce workplace hazards
• Practical safety protocols and risk control measures tailored to agri-business operations
• Strategies for staying compliant with health and safety regulations, including tracking and documentation
• How to make the most of available resources and support from WSPS

Webinar cost is $40 (incl hst). This event is offered free to AAC members.

Join us for this valuable session and take a step toward a safer, more productive farm.

AAC MEMBERSHIP EXPANDS

Welcome to Our New Members!

Seven new organizations have joined the AAC this month. These groups bring fresh ideas, strong leadership, and a shared passion for growing Ontario’s agri-food sector.

ALUS

Canadian Agri-food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)

Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC-CCRHA)

Livestock Research Innovation Corporation

Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA)

Ontario Food Terminal Board



Ontario Woodlot Association

We’re excited to work together to support a strong, adaptive, and resilient agri-food sector!

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

UPCOMING EVENTS FROM AAC MEMBERS

Rural Ontario Institute: AGM

ROI is celebrating 15 years of developing leaders, informing decision-makers, and connecting communities across rural Ontario. Come together with board members, staff, sponsors, & community partners as we reflect on the past and look forward to the future.

LEARN MORE

Breakfast on the Farm

Join Farm & Food Care Ontario for Breakfast on the Farm in Innerkip – June 14, 2025! Bring the whole family for a fun and educational morning on the farm!

LEARN MORE

Local Food Week 2025

Local Food Week is June 2–8, 2025. Let's celebrate the fresh, healthy food grown, produced, and processed right here in Ontario. Our farmers and food processors work hard to provide safe, nutritious food for everyone to enjoy. #LoveONFood

LEARN MORE

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Behind everything in the agri-food industry is a person working hard to make it happen. But stress, long hours, and isolation can take a toll.

This month, we’re reminded that taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our land, animals, and teams.

The Farmer Wellness Initiative offers free, unlimited mental health counselling tailored for farmers and farm workers in Ontario. It’s confidential, accessible 24/7, and built around the realities of ag life.

Learn more and access resources: farmerwellnessinitiative.ca