- BUILDING BRIDGES AND BEYOND: A MESSAGE FROM JENN MACTAVISH
- ATII FUNDING OPENS CROP DIVERSIFICATION WITH LASER TECHNOLOGY
- VETERINARY INCENTIVE PROGRAM SUPPORTS LIVESTOCK CARE IN THE NORTH
- AAC INVESTS IN NEW FARMFOOD 360 TOURS
- AAC OPEN PROGRAMS
- ONTARIO AGRI-FOOD EVENTS
| | BUILDING BRIDGES AND BEYOND: JENN MACTAVISH | | |
Fall is a busy time in Ontario’s agriculture and food sector, and this issue offers a look at some of the work underway.
I’m happy to welcome Chantel Crockett back from maternity leave. As AAC’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, she’s looking forward to reconnecting with members, stakeholders and partners. We’re glad to have her back!
This month, we’re sharing a VIP success story about the program’s impact on livestock producers in northern Ontario. It’s a practical example of how AAC-delivered programs respond to local needs and support agricultural communities across the province.
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We’re also highlighting an ATII project that uses robotics for laser weeding. Supporting businesses as they adopt technologies like this is one way AAC helps Ontario’s agri-food sector improve efficiency and productivity.
I’m especially looking forward to the soft launch of the new FarmFood360 videos in November and December. These videos give AAC members an opportunity to tell their stories and help students and consumers learn more about the people and work behind their food.
I hope you enjoy this issue of AAC News & Updates. If you have questions about our programs or would like to connect, please reach out.
Best regards,
Jenn
| | LASER WEEDING OPENS NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR ONTARIO FARMERS | | |
How can robotic laser technology help farmers tackle herbicide-resistant weeds and grow higher-value crops? For Bothwell, Ont., farmer Chuck Baresich of Haggerty Creek Ltd., it’s opening the door to new possibilities in crop diversification, soil health and farm competitiveness.
With cost-share funding through the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative (ATII), delivered by the AAC, Baresich is putting precision technology to work in his onion crop – and exploring what’s next for his farm.
Discover how the ATII is helping turn innovative ideas into practical opportunities for Ontario agriculture: adaptcouncil.org/programs/atii.
| | SUPPORTING VETERINARY CARE IN NORTHERN ONTARIO | | | Rural and northern communities depend on veterinarians who provide essential care for livestock – but attracting and retaining veterinarians can be a challenge. For Doug Veldhuisen, a mixed animal veterinarian in Devlin, Ont., the Veterinary Incentive Program (VIP) has been an important motivator in building his career serving the Rainy River District’s agricultural community.
Delivered by the AAC, the VIP provides grants to newly licensed veterinarians practising food animal medicine in underserved areas of Ontario, helping strengthen access to essential veterinary services. Learn more about the program here: adaptcouncil.org/programs/vip.
Read how the program is supporting Veldhuisen’s career and encouraging more veterinarians to consider rural practice.
| | NEW FARMFOOD360 VIRTUAL TOURS LAUNCHING IN NOVEMBER | | |
Three new FarmFood360 virtual reality (VR) tours will soft-launch at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November. The tours, funded in part by the AAC, were created by the Grape Growers of Ontario, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, and Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA), and will be officially released in December.
The program resources, available at www.FarmFood360.ca, provide immersive 360-degree tours and video series that bring farms, orchards, and processing facilities directly to educators, the public, and global audiences.
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Farm & Food Care Ontario’s FarmFood360 initiative aims to bridge the gap between consumers and the origin of their food.
The development of the tours and videos have been supported by the AAC for its members since 2022. AAC support covers up to 50 percent of production costs, empowering member organizations—particularly smaller groups with limited resources—to create high-impact educational tools for classrooms, trade shows, and international markets. Completed AAC-supported projects have included partnerships with the Ontario Ginseng Growers, Ontario Apple Growers, Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, Ontario Berries, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Sheep Farmers, and Egg Farmers of Ontario.
Rebecca Coates, Executive Director of the Ontario Ginseng Growers Association, described their 2025 project, “The AAC empowered us to bring the world-renowned story of Ontario ginseng directly into the homes and classrooms of over a million annual visitors at FarmFood360.ca. These videos are also proving invaluable for our international marketing efforts.”
Each tour includes an online educator guide complete with interactive student quizzes. Created in partnership with Agriculture in the Classroom Canada, these resources will go live on www.FarmFood360.ca in winter 2027 for Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month.
| | FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE THROUGH AAC | | |
Looking to build your veterinary career in rural Ontario or accelerate your agri-food business growth? The AAC is delivering two programs to support Ontario’s agriculture and food sector.
The Veterinary Incentive Program (VIP) provides grants to newly licensed veterinarians practicing food animal medicine in underserved areas of Ontario, while the Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative Development Initiative (RRBDI) supports eligible businesses with projects that advance business development and growth. Both programs offer opportunities to help strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector and are accepting applications.
| | | Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative
For Ontario agriculture, agri-food and agri-products businesses with an established market opportunity, the Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI) provides up to $10,000 for travel expenses to meet with clients where there is a high potential to secure a sale.
Administered by AAC, the initiative supports eligible businesses that need to act quickly to pursue promising business opportunities and build on established connections.
The 2026–2027 intake is now open and will remain open until all available funding has been allocated or March 1, 2027.
Learn more about RRBDI, eligibility and how to apply: Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative
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Veterinary Incentive Program
The Province of Ontario is helping strengthen veterinary services in Ontario’s underserved communities.
The Veterinary Incentive Program (VIP) offers newly licensed veterinarians who provide food-animal services in eligible underserviced areas up to $50,000 over five years. The program is designed to encourage veterinarians to practice in communities, including Northern Ontario, where producers face veterinary access challenges.
The VIP program is accepting applications until March 31, 2027.
Learn more about VIP and eligibility requirements: Veterinary Incentive Program
| | UPCOMING ONTARIO AGRI-FOOD EVENTS | | |
Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Education Days
November 17th, Stratford Rotary Complex, Stratford ON
November 19th, Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront by IHG, Peterborourgh ON
Join CFFO for a day of insight, discussion and practical solutions for today's agricultural challenges. The morning session's theme is "From Farmgate to Dinner Plate--Closing the Information Gap. The afternoon session will focus on the Future of Rural Ontario. The program is the same for both events in Stratford and Peterborough.
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Healthy Calf Conference
November 18th, 2026
Arden Park Hotel, Stratford ON
Led by Veal Farmers of Ontario, the Healthy Calf Conference tackles some of the industry’s most pressing calf management issues with a line-up of top tier experts.
For more than 20 years, the Healthy Calf Conference has brought together producers, veterinarians, researchers, and industry partners to share the latest advances in calf health, nutrition, and management.
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Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Annual General Meeting, 2026
November 24 & 25th, Delta Hotel Toronto Airport & Conference Centre
Toronto, ON
The OFA's 2026 Annual General Meeting is where members come together to network, share perspectives, debate resolutions and vote on the issues that matter to agriculture.
Join farmers, industry partners and stakeholders from across Ontario for two days of conversation, connection and participation. Hear from engaging speakers, learn about the issues impacting Ontario’s farmers and be part of the conversations that help shape OFA’s priorities and advocacy.
This year’s event proudly celebrates OFA’s 90th anniversary, honouring nine decades of leadership, advocacy and achievements that have helped shape Ontario agriculture.
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Farm and Food Care Ontario
2006 Ontario's Harvest Gala
November 26th, 2026
The Embassy Room, Bingeman's
Kitchener, ON
Get swept up in an Enchanted Evening celebrating the people, partnerships, and achievements that continue to strengthen Ontario agriculture.
This elegant event will bring together farmers, industry leaders, and supporters from across the province to recognize excellence while celebrating the collective efforts that grow public trust in food and farming.
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Ontario Beekeepers' Association Annual General Meeting
November 26-28th
Horseshoe Valley Resort, Barrie ON
Join the OBA Annual Meeting & Conference at scenic Horseshoe Valley. Annual business includes member resolutions and board nominations will be accompanied by the black jar honey competition. The event will also feature a social evening, tours and an engaging lineup of speakers.
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Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council, AG HR Check In
November 5th, 1-2pm
Virtual
Join the Ag HR Check-In, a virtual opportunity for producers, farm managers or HR professionals to connect, discuss workforce challenges, and share practical solutions with peers from across the industry.
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Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
November 6-15
Exhibition Place, Toronto ON
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place every November at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Whether you’re a visitor or an exhibitor, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is jam-packed with home-grown fun and the best in local food and animal entertainment.
The Royal is the largest combined indoor agriculture fair and international equestrian competition in the world. It is where Canadian and international breeders, growers and exhibitors are declared champions and where hundreds of thousands of attendees come to learn, compete, shop and have a great time with friends and family.
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Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference
November 22, 23&24th 2026
Sheraton Fallsview, Niagara Falls ON
AWC was created to connect, inspire, and equip women with tools, strategies, and relationships they need to advance in their careers and lives. While the conference is built around the experiences, leadership, and advancement of women in agriculture and food, everyone who is passionate about agriculture and food is welcome to attend.
Whether you’re a university or college student studying agriculture and food, a producer, an agri-food entrepreneur, a grower association representative or member, a corporate agribusiness professional, or someone looking to strengthen your family, community, career, or industry—you’ll find a place here.
| | | AAC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MOVES TO JANUARY | | |
AAC's annual general meeting will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites in St. Jacobs on January 21st, 2027. Program details to be announced shortly.
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