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IN THIS ISSUE:

• BUILDING BRIDGES AND BEYOND: A MESSAGE FROM JENN MACTAVISH
• AGRI-TECH INNOVATION INITIATIVE SUCCESS STORY
• AAC AI LEADERSHIP AND VIBE CODING WORKSHOP
• FUTURE HERD PODCAST
• AGRI-FOOD 2050 UPDATE
• RAPID RESPONSE TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
• VETERINARY INCENTIVE PROGRAM
• JULY AGRIFOOD EVENTS

BUILDING BRIDGES AND BEYOND: JENN MACTAVISH

We’ve been remarkably busy over these past few months, and we are excited about how the scope of our work is changing. We have recently had a new member join us at the table, have developed a new workshop, are engaged in a new project with one of our members and, we have a success story worth celebrating.

To start, I’d like to offer a warm welcome to our newest member, Ontario Biomass Producers Co-operative. Every organization that joins this table makes the collective conversation more complete, and we are glad to have them at it.

I also want to spend a moment on two other pieces together, because they are connected: our upcoming AI workshop and a new project with Ontario Sheep Farmers.

This September, AAC is offering two hands-on virtual sessions with AI expert Jesse Hirsh, designed specifically for agri-food association professionals. The sessions will teach you how to build almost anything, from a website to an app, without needing any programming background. You describe what you need in plain language, and AI helps you build it. Registration gives you both workshop sessions plus two months of support afterward.

The sheep project is a different kind of first for AAC. Ontario Sheep Farmers has engaged AAC to build business planning tools that help producers in adjacent sectors evaluate what it would take to add a sheep to an enterprise. We are building segment-specific models, and testing assumptions with producers and lenders before anything gets published. It is practical work that will end up directly in the hands of producers.

I want to be clear that these are both a bit different for AAC, and that is the point. You have heard me write in recent months about where AAC can add the most value beyond delivering our core programs. These initiatives are early answers to that question. In both cases, a need came first, and we asked ourselves: can AAC be the one to meet it? I like what it says about where we are headed that the answer, twice now, was yes.

Elsewhere in this issue, you will find a preview of a success story coming out of the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative. I won’t spoil it here, but it is a compelling example of what happens when the right investment meets the right idea.

Taken together, this is what the bigger work I have been writing about looks like in practice programs delivering results, new members at the table, and new kinds of value for the people who make up this sector.

Thank you for being part of it.

AGRI-TECH FUNDING SUPPORTS MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

AAC WORKSHOP: AI LEADERSHIP FOR AGRI-FOOD PROFESSIONALS

TUNE INTO THE FUTURE HERD PODCAST

Listen, subscribe and be part of the conversation as we explore what’s next for Canadian agri-food.

AGRI-FOOD 2050 UPDATE

AAC’s Agri-food 2050 initiative continues to bring together industry voices to explore the opportunities and challenges that will shape the future of Ontario’s agri-food sector.

AAC is planning a series of roundtable discussions focused on three key areas driving change across the sector: AI and automation in agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain resilience.

The perspectives shared through these conversations will help identify priorities and opportunities for the future, contributing to a policy brief that will be shared with the Grow Ontario Strategy, anticipated for release in 2027.

Watch for upcoming updates and opportunities to get involved as we continue building a vision for a strong, innovative and resilient agri-food sector.

RAPID RESPONSE TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

Ontario agri-food, agriculture and agri-tech businesses looking to advance new market opportunities are encouraged to apply for the Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI).

Administered by AAC, RRBDI provides up to $10,000 in funding to help eligible businesses accelerate commercialization efforts, strengthen market connections and move innovative products, processes and technologies closer to market.

The initiative, launched by the Grand River Agricultural Society as part of its commitment to impact investing, supports long-term sustainability and innovation across Ontario’s agriculture and environmental sectors. Funding is available to businesses working with established business connections to help secure sales and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

For 2026, RRBDI includes three applicant categories: Agri-tech, Agriculture and Agri-food. Eligible applicants include technology developers and manufacturers serving agriculture, primary producers, greenhouse and controlled-environment operations, processors, packing houses, bio-processing companies and other businesses across the agri-food value chain.

The 2026 application intake is open until funds are fully allocated or March 1, 2027, whichever comes first.

Learn more about eligibility requirements, program details and how to apply through the Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative page on the AAC website.

VETERINARY INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Ontario’s livestock sector depends on strong access to veterinary care — and the Veterinary Incentive Program is already making a difference.

By supporting newly licensed veterinarians to build careers in underserved and northern communities, the program is helping expand access to critical animal health services for beef, dairy, pork, sheep, goat and poultry producers across Ontario. Targeted investment in veterinary capacity is strengthening rural communities, supporting livestock producers, and helping ensure long-term sustainability for Ontario agriculture.

Learn more about the Veterinary Incentive Program: https://www.adaptcouncil.org/programs/vip

UPCOMING ONTARIO AGRI-FOOD EVENTS