Passionate about change

Change is inevitable — it's a given.  Nowhere is that more true than agriculture and food.  Right now we're seeing rapid shifts in demographics and labour markets, breakthroughs in new technology, competing priorities for how land is used, and changes in our climate.  All of these and other factors will impact how our food is grown, raised, processed and distributed.  At AAC, we are passionate about leading change.  More importantly, we value collaboration —unlocking the collective expertise of our diverse membership and the broader industry to find the best paths forward.

Shaping the future

A vibrant, innovative and sustainable agriculture and food industry benefits all Ontarians. But, like all sectors of our economy, agriculture and food must meet the challenges of a world that is changing ever more rapidly.  As an industry-led organization with in-depth knowledge of the agriculture and food value chain, the Agricultural Adaptation Council has established a "2050 Committee" to help support Ontario’s agri-food sector  in anticipating and meeting the challenges it will face in the coming decades. To help acheive this, the AAC is leveraging its core competencies and expertise:

Collaboration – We will foster non-partisan collaboration across the full value chain, from primary production to retail and, ultimately, consumers. We will create a space where diverse stakeholders and ideas can come together in support of a resilient and vibrant future.

Innovation – We will draw on AAC’s comprehensive understanding of the research and development ecosystem in Ontario’s agriculture and food industry to identify areas of opportunity and support advances in these fields.

Solutions – We will provide pragmatic solutions for Ontario’s agri-food industry through program delivery for provincial and federal governments.

What could be in store for Ontario's Agri-food sector?

The AAC brought a group of industry stakeholders together to discuss the state of the sector and contributed to the shaping of three distinct future scenarios.  Drawing on their knowledge, the group has established what might be in store for Agri-food in the year 2050 by analyzing what themes are driving change throughout the value chain.

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AAC's 2050 Committee Members

The 2050 Committee is a special committee of AAC's board of directors.  Guided by a passion for the industry, they are tasked with shepherding an inclusive, collaborative process to serve our sector in shaping a progressive vision for Ontario's agri-food system. Along with AAC board members, the committee is complemented by external members that bring unique industry insight and experience to guide its work. 

• Ruth Knight (Chair)

• Joost van der Heiden (Vice-Chair)

• Tracy Gubbels

• Daniel Vander Hout

• Rene VanAcker

• Michael Keegan