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IN THIS ISSUE:

• Agri-Food 2050: Envisioning the future of agri-food in Ontario
• The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP)
• Meet our AAC Board
• Applications open for Veterinary Incentive Program
• University of Guelph, Agri-food communications survey
• Upcoming member events

AGRI-FOOD 2050: ENVISIONING THE FUTURE OF AGRI-FOOD

Let's Shape the Future of Agri-Food in Ontario  

AAC is excited to share progress made by our Board 2050 Committee! Over the past year, the AAC invested in the development of a strategic framework to envision what Ontario’s agri-food sector could look like by 2050. In consultation with a select group of agri-food industry experts, we launched a micro-foresight exercise to spark meaningful dialogue and identify key drivers of change. 

As a result, three draft scenarios—optimistic, pessimistic, and status quo—were developed to inspire critical conversations and action across the sector. These scenarios portray possible future outcomes for our industry and identify the forces most likely to shape the future of agri-food in Ontario. 

On September 17th in the Niagara Region, AAC will host an industry-wide event where agri-food sector stakeholders will validate and prioritize the identified change drivers, define strategic focus areas, and help form working groups to guide next steps. This event, will kick off a broader industry collaboration--the Agri-food 2050 Project-- tapping AAC’s long-standing experience in uniting the agri-food value chain to address shared challenges and opportunities. 

To learn more about AAC’s Agri-Food 2050 Project, and join in the conversation, click here to visit our website.  

Together, we can work toward a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable agri-food future that benefits all Ontarians. 

AALP RECRUITING NEW CLASS OF AGRICULTURAL LEADERS

The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) accepting applications for Class 21. Deadline May 16, 2025

Shape the future of the agriculture and food industry.

Space is still open for Class 21 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, an 18-month executive training program that cultivates leadership skills for individuals who want to shape the future of the agri-food industry and make a positive difference in rural communities across Ontario.

Every two years, up to 30 individuals are selected to participate in the program that provides an advanced background on sector challenges and opportunities, immersive skills development and networking with key influencers shaping innovation and growth in the agri-food industry at home and abroad.

AALP is designed to fast track your potential. Achieve the insight and network that would normally take a decade to achieve in approximately 45 days of in-session training including in-person seminars, online webinars, small group issues analysis projects and two study tours, North American and international. Class participants will learn about government and political systems, national and international trade, communication, negotiation, decision making, media relations, problem-solving and debating, ag-sector issues and innovation, agri-food trends, globalization and the dynamics of change.  

The deadline to apply is fast approaching. Selected Class 21 participants will start their curriculum in Fall 2025.We invite you to share this with any members or individuals who may be interested and ready to grow their leadership potential.

MEET THE AAC BOARD

The AAC is governed by 16 board members nominated by AAC's 61 member organizations representing Ontario's 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. We sat down with AAC Board Chair, Peggy Brekveld, and asked her about her experience on the AAC Board and her perspective on how the organization is impacting the agri-food industry.

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. 

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH, AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATION SURVEY

If you work in the agricultural sector, the University of Guelph would love to hear from you!

The University of Guelph is studying the agricultural sector uses social media to connect, share information, and deal with misinformation.

The survey takes approximate 20 minutes and the first 40 participants will receive a $25 gift card as a thank you.

Your experience matters – add your voice to this important conversation.

UPCOMING EVENTS FROM AAC MEMBERS