The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) celebrated a major milestone at its 30th Annual General Meeting, held virtually on December 4, 2025. Members and partners from across Ontario’s agri-food sector gathered online to recognize three decades of collaboration, innovation, and industry leadership.
The AAC was pleased to welcome key government partners in attendance. The Honourable Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs brought greetings from the Government of Ontario--both, expressing an appreciation for AAC’s leadership and its ongoing contributions to a strong and resilient agri-food sector over the last three decades. Hadley Carpenter of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada also provided remarks noting strong partnerships that have led to advancements in our agri-food industry.
Board Chair Peggy Brekveld and Executive Director Melanie DiReto reflected on AAC’s achievements and provided on overview on AAC's current programs, and initiatives. Ruth Knight, Chair of AAC’s board 2050 committee provided an update on the Agri-food 2050 initiative. The kick-off event brought 131 industry leaders from more than 70 Ontario and national agri-food organizations together in Niagara Falls to lay the framework for planning to advance the industry. Key learnings included the need for collaboration, leadership in future planning, and a collective sense of urgency for coordinated action.
It was also widely acknowledged that AAC is well positioned to guide the process and create the space necessary for the broader industry to convene and map its preferred future. The AAC will be releasing an Agri-Food 2050 report which will outline the vision and process for change, progress made ,contributing organizations and stakeholders, and a series of next steps which include the formation of an industry-led steering committee and thematic working groups tasked with developing action plans on key priorities.
AAC celebrated emerging leaders with the presentation of the Kelly Duffy Youth Leadership Award to Melissa Karpenko, honoured for her dedication to agricultural organizations such as the Peel-Dufferin Plowmen’s Association and the Dufferin Farm Tour. This brand new award honours the legacy of a long-serving AAC board member who’s commitment and dedicated service to Ontario’s agri-food sector was truly inspiring.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Peggy Brekveld for her remarkable 10 years of service on the AAC Board. Her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on the organization and the agri-food sector.
The day included the election of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors:
The 2025-2026 AAC Board of Directors:
- Sara Wood, Chair (General Farm Interest)
- Scott Buchan, Vice-Chair (Supply Management)
- Sarah Acchione, Secretary (Agri-business, Retail, Food Processor
- Jose Medina, Treasurer (Agri-business, Retail, Food Processor)
- Joann Chechalk (Horticulture)
- Dennis Fischer (Livestock)
- Albert Fledderus (Supply Management)
- Randal Goodfellow (Other Industries/Commodities)
- Tracy Gubbels (Horticulture)
- Ashley Knapton (Youth-at-Large)
- Ruth Knight (Other Organizations)
- Jamie Payton (Grains/Seeds/Oilseeds/Specialty Crops)
- Gus Ternoey (Grains, Seeds, Oilseeds, Specialty Crops)
- Joost van der Heiden (Livestock)
- Daniel Vander Hout (General Farm Interest)
As the AAC celebrates 30 years of impact, we are preparing for change and positioning itself for growth to embrace new opportunities on the horizon, with a renewed commitment to strong sector collaboration.
