Setting Tomorrow’s Table with Agri-Food Innovation at the 29th AGM

The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) held its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 12th at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre in Guelph.

Representatives from AAC’s 55 member organizations, along with industry stakeholders and government officials, gathered to network and gain insights into the organization's initiatives supporting Ontario’s agri-food sector.

The theme of the day’s event was, “setting tomorrow’s table”. The morning program included a moderated panel discussing  agri-food innovation and how it is shaping Ontario’s agri-food sector, followed by presentations by recent program recipients

Moderated by Andrew Campbell of Fresh Air Media, the panel showcased a dynamic group of industry experts, including :

  • Alexandra Barlow, Canadian Food Innovation Network
  • Dr. Evan Fraser, Arrell Food Institute, University of Guelph
  • Joe Dales, Founder, RH Ventures

The panelists identified barriers to innovation, the benefits of new agri-food products, and the evolving pace of innovation in agriculture and food processing. They also discussed the need for risk mitigation, accelerated industry investment, and government program support to encourage adoption of innovations.

Following a networking break, two program recipients highlighted examples of applied innovation from AAC-delivered programs featuring:

  • Chuck Baresich of Haggerty Creek, showcased the advanced laser weeding technology funded with support from the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative.
  • Doug Alexander, presented Leadbetter Foods’ new innovations in bacon processing and how it opened the door to new markets. Investments in a curing and slicing system has expanded the company’s capacity with funding support from the Supply Chain Stability and Adaptability Program.

The morning session wrapped up with a presentation from event lunch sponsor, Farm Credit Canada, where they shared details on how to get involved in their Drive Away Hunger Campaign.  This initiative calls on Ontario’s Agri-food industry including organizations and individual farms and food processing businesses to support food recovery strategies and community food programs delivered by Second Harvest.

After lunch, the AAC held its annual business meeting, where the 2024-2025 AAC Board of Directors was elected by member representatives. The newly elected board members include Daniel Vander Hout (nominated by Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario), Joann Chechalk (nominated by Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association) and Gus Ternoey nominated by (Grain Farmers of Ontario). All three have been elected to 2-year terms.

The AAC also bid farewell to three board members: Keith Black (Grains, Seeds, Oilseeds, and Specialty Crops) who reached his maximum term limit, Mark Wales (Horticulture), and Ed Scharringa (General Farm Interest). Their dedication and contributions to the organization have been greatly appreciated and we thank them for their service to AAC and the broader Ontario Agri-food Industry.

The 2024-2025 AAC Board of Directors:

  • Peggy Brekveld, Chair (General Farm Interest) 
  • Sara Wood, Vice-Chair (Youth-at-Large) 
  • Scott Buchan, Treasurer (Supply Management)
  • Sarah Acchione, Secretary (Agri-business, Retail, Food Processor[CC1] )
  • 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)
  • Jose Medina (Agri-business, Retail, Food Processor)
  • 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)

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of several key sponsors:

  • Lunch Sponsor: Farm Credit Canada
  • Breakfast Sponsor: Meridian Credit Union
  • Industry Builders: Agriculture Wellness Ontario, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
  • Industry Supporters: Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Grain Farmers of Ontario
  • Supporters In-Kind: Dairy Distillery, Farm and Food Care Ontario, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Canlead Solutions

The AAC extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, speakers, and participants for making the AGM a success. To learn more about AAC and its programs, visit www.adaptcouncil.org.