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IN THIS ISSUE:

• BUILDING BRIDGES AND BEYOND: A MESSAGE FROM JENN MACTAVISH
• AAC ATTENDS AGTECH BREAKFAST AT CANADA'S OUTDOOR FARM SHOW
• ATII SUCCESS STORY, CECILBAY FARMS
• AAC OPEN PROGRAMS
• OCTOBER AGRIFOOD EVENT
• CELEBRATE ONTARIO AGRICULTURE WEEK

BUILDING BRIDGES AND BEYOND: JENN MACTAVISH

With Thanksgiving approaching, I’ve been thinking about the people whose work keeps Ontario agriculture moving. 

Trade uncertainty and rising input costs are making this a difficult year. Across our sector, people continue to adapt, solve problems and support one another. That effort deserves recognition. 

At AAC, I’m particularly thankful for our staff, who keep programs running, projects moving, and members and partners supported. I also appreciate the time and thought our Board is putting into how AAC can best serve the agri-food community. 

Next week is Ontario Agriculture Week, a chance to recognize everyone involved in getting food from field to table. That includes farmers and growers, processors, input suppliers, researchers, extension and advisory services, transporters, retailers, and the organizations that support them. 

The finished product doesn’t show all the people and businesses behind it, or how much they depend on one another. Agriculture Week is an opportunity to make that work more visible and recognize its contribution to jobs and communities across Ontario. 

If you have a chance next week, take part in an event, share a story from your operation or organization, or thank someone whose work you appreciate.  

It’s also been a productive month at AAC. We attended the AgTech Breakfast at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, and we have more events and meetings coming up this fall. We’ve begun sharing success stories from the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative on our website, with more to come. 

If you’d like to learn more about AAC’s programs and services, or what we’re working on, please get in touch. 

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving!

Jenn

AAC AT THE AGTECH BREAKFAST

Nevin McDougall, Chair of Agriculture Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO) introduces the producer tech panel. (photo credit Jonah Grignon, Glacier Farm Media)

AAC in attendance! AAC board member Ruth Knight (left), staff members James McCabe, Laura Feil and Jenn MacTavish

Producer Tech Panel (from left) Moderator Nevin McDougall, Evert Veldhuizen of Veldale Farms, Tanya Franklin of Upside Robotics, Don Bender of Benderbrook Farms

Andres Hurtado, co-founder of Ontario-based aerial data analytics company, Terralynx, participating in the ag-tech company presentations.

REBUILDING WITH INNOVATION

After a devastating 2022 derecho destroyed their dairy barn, the McFadden family of Cecilbay Farm saw an opportunity to rebuild with new technology.

With support from the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative (ATII), delivered by the AAC, the fifth-generation dairy farm invested in a GEA DairyFeed F4500 feeding robot. The automated system helps deliver consistent feeding throughout the day while reducing labour and feed costs and connecting feeding decisions with herd management data.

Read how ATII funding helped Cecilbay Farm turn a major setback into an opportunity to modernize its operation and build for the future.

AAC OPEN PROGRAMS

AAC programs supporting Ontario’s agri-food sector – apply now!

AAC programs are designed to help Ontario’s agri-food sector respond to opportunities and challenges – from advancing innovative products into new markets to strengthening access to veterinary care in underserved communities.

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 to help move innovative products, processes and technologies close sales.

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

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 open until March 31, 2032.

Learn more about VIP and eligibility requirements: Veterinary Incentive Program

UPCOMING ONTARIO AGRI-FOOD EVENTS

ONTARIO AGRICULTURE WEEK 2026

Join us in celebrating Ontario’s agricultural industry October 5 to 11, 2026. Show your support for Ontario’s farmers and food sector by using #ONTAgWeek and #LoveONFood across your social media platforms!