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SUSTAINABILITY ON THE AGENDA AT UPCOMING WEBINAR

Don't miss our upcoming Lunch n' Learn on April 24th at 12PM EST featuring Stephanie Vickers from OMAFRA!

Program Overview:

There is a lot of buzz around "sustainability" in the agri-food industry. Sustainability is complex, multi-faceted and difficult to define. The push for sustainability is also coming from different directions, driven by various social, environmental and corporate agendas. Beyond a casual buzz word, many agri-food businesses are now making investments in developing comprehensive sustainability programs. Government policies are also embracing sustainability goals and various funding programs and initiatives are reflecting this imperative. These programs are impacting entire value chains as a result and many producers feel pressured and stretched to keep pace.

This webinar will cover:

• Understanding sustainable agriculture and how it’s influenced by consumers, investors and government policy
• How agri-food companies are responding, setting targets and measuring progress
• How corporate sustainability programs impact relationships along the entire value chain and are placing new expectations on Ontario’s producers
• How farms and agri-business can prepare for change and be part of the solution

Webinar cost is $40 (incl hst). This event is offered free to AAC members.

AGRI-TECH INNOVATION INITIATIVE

Program Intake Closed, Call for External Reviewers Extended

The application intake for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative (ATII) is now closed.

The $25 Million program, funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), seeks to support growth and productivity through innovation, advanced manufacturing, improved food safety and enhanced cyber security, and energy efficiency within the agri-food sector.

There was tremendous industry response to this program with over 560 applications received from across Ontario’s agri-food value chain. The applications are now in review and AAC aims to communicate funding decisions in early June.

With the large volume of applications received, AAC is extending the call for additional external reviewers. AAC is seeking agri-food sector experts to assist in the project review process and honorariums are available for those selected. Click here for more information and to apply.

Full details about the Initiative are available on the AAC website. The AAC is delivering the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative on behalf of OMAFRA. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal-provincial-territorial governments.

CURRENT OPEN PROGRAMS

Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative 

The Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative provides cost-share funding support for deadstock management. It addresses immediate and short-term deadstock capacity needs at businesses and municipalities in Ontario. The $1.5 million initiative, funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), will run for two years subject to the availability of funding allocated to the Initiative.

The maximum cost-share funding assistance available for a project is up to 40 per cent of total eligible costs to a maximum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) in funding per project. The intake will close on 11:59 pm EST September 15, 2024 or when the funding has been fully allocated.

The Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative (the Initiative) is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The Agricultural Adaptation Council is delivering the Initiative on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Veterinary Incentive Program

Veterinary Incentive Program provides grants for newly licensed veterinarians who practice on food animals in underserviced areas of Ontario. The $5 million program provides eligible veterinarians with up to $50,000 in grant payments.

The Veterinary Incentive Program is funded by the Government of Ontario to provide grants for Newly Licensed Veterinarians who practice on Food Animals in Underserviced Areas of Ontario. The Agricultural Adaptation Council is delivering the Program on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: AAC PAST PROGRAMS

Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative (OACSI)

This month, we're taking time to highlight the Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative some of the HR best practices generated from these novel pilot projects.

The Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative was designed to grow the labour market for food and beverage processing businesses by either enticing people to become employed in the sector or to remain employed. This initiative supported innovative projects that were tailor-made to address specific needs of employers, employees and jobseekers to attract and retain a strong and vibrant workforce. Successful applicants were required to share their project outcomes, best practices and lessons learned with the industry. 

If you're curious about the innovative HR solutions from OASCI, click the link below. Read up on the significant challenges faced by Ontario’s food and beverage processors in recruiting and retaining top talent, and how OASCI provided support to develop unique pilot solutions.

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY, APRIL 22

As April blooms, it's time that we celebrate the world around us – Earth Day on April 22nd!🌍

At the AAC, we're buzzing with excitement to celebrate our beloved planet and all the wonders it holds.

Join in the Earth Day festivities by:

• Getting involved as a volunteer or become a member of an organization committed to stewardship
• Getting active! Where appropriate, consider walking, running, or cycling
• Planting a tree
• Taking the Zero Waste Challenge: reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost-don’t just throw it away!
• Signing up for our webinar and learn more about sustainability in the Agri-food sector

Plant positivity and join in on the Earth Day activities! For more ideas visit EarthDay.ca