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SUPPLY CHAIN STABILITY AND ADAPTABILITY PROGRAM

The Supply Chain Stability and Adaptability Program was launched in 2022, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The AAC-delivered program was designed to address supply chain issues, reduce agri-food sector vulnerabilities, increase resilience and strengthen the food supply for Ontarians.

Funded projects included storage upgrades, new food processing line extensions, innovative equipment and technology, and updated food packing facilities Through this merit-based initiative, $9.8M in funding was approved for 98 projects spanning the complete agri-food supply chain across Ontario.

The program wrapped up earlier this year and the AAC is now working with several successful applicants to share project highlights, capture lessons learned and to celebrate success of this valuable initiative.

This month, we are very pleased to share the first of these stories, featuring EarthFresh and how upgrades to their potato packing line addressed supply chain challenges that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New packing line expands local potato production capacity at Earth Fresh

EarthFresh Inc, a Canadian produce company based in Burlington upgraded their packing line to a new state of the art production line. This streamlined their ability to deliver local products to consumers more quickly and efficiently. Specializing in growing, packing and distributing exclusive varieties of potatoes, they serve retailers, food service and direct-to-home meal kit companies in Canada and the US.

With growing demand and pressure on aging equipment in their Burlington facility, they faced challenges keeping pace. Supply chain delays and inventory issues during the pandemic, resulted in lost production and inefficiencies.

Through access to the cost-share funding of the Supply Chain Stability and Adaptability Program, they procured a new state-of-the-art packing line. This not only increased their packing rate and eliminated unplanned downtime, it also meant lower transportation costs, reduced carbon footprint and greater control over internal logistics.

This story offers greater value local market opportunities for Ontario potato growers, who are paid more for growing premium mini potatoes compared to conventional potatoes. 

AAC CURRENTLY OPEN PROGRAMS

Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative 

Cost effective, safe deadstock management is a priority issue for Ontario's livestock industry. 

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 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.

Applicants must apply to the Program and request funding using the Application Form found online at www.adaptcouncil.org/program/vip. Completed Application Forms are received on a continuous basis.

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.

AAC PAST PROGRAM SUCCESS STORIES

Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative (OACSI)

This month, we're taking time to highlight the Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative and how it's helped drive success in talent and retention at Maple Leaf Foods. As part of OASCI, Maple Leaf Foods completed a project where they successfully hosted local career fairs, met with jobseekers, and hired new people for exciting jobs at their Brampton, Guelph, Hamilton and Brantford facilities.

The Initiatve 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. 

For more OASCI success stories, visit our website here.

2024 LOCAL FOOD WEEK

Let's savour the flavours of Local Food Week, 2024!

Local Food Week is a celebration of the fresh, healthy food grown, produced and processed right here in Ontario. Farmers work every day to grow and produce safe and nutritious food for all Ontarians to enjoy. 

This June 3-9, show your love for Ontario food and share what’s on your plate using #loveONTfood across your social media networks!

AAC MEMBER EVENT SPOTLIGHT: FBO Annual Conference

At the AAC, we're proud to share happenings within our membership. This month, we're spotlighting Food and Beverage Ontario and their Annual Conference. You don't want to miss out!

Mark your calendars for a day of innovation, collaboration, and celebration as we invite you to Food and Beverage Ontario’s Annual Conference on May 30, 2024, hosted at the renowned Steam Whistle Brewery. FBO anticipates reconnecting with their valued community to share insights, experiences, and discoveries.

• Date: May 30, 2024
• Time: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Location: Steam Whistle Brewery, 225 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON.

RECOGNIZING MENTAL HEALTH IN MAY

Mental Health Week

In marking Canada's Mental Health week this month, we were reminded how crucial it is to prioritize our mental well-being. Farmers and food workers face unique challenges managing and growing businesses against the backdrop of the growing unpredictability of the natural environment

By offering resources, support and by fostering discussions we hope to cultivate healthier mindsets in our community. Let's cultivate wellness and resilience in our fields and hearts!

• The Farmer Wellness Initiative - created to provide support to Ontario farmers, farm families, farm employees, and spouses and dependents of farm employees with mental health counselling, specific to the unique challenges that can be experienced by the agricultural community.
• Agriculture Wellness Ontario - bringing mental health education, counselling services and enhanced community support to rural and agricultural communities across the province. 
• The Do More Agriculture Foundation - champions for the mental wellbeing of those in the Canadian agriculture industry, they are working to change the culture of Agriculture to one where all are encouraged, supported and empowered to take care of their mental wellbeing
• Canadian Agricultural Resource Council - CAHRC works with industry associations, educators, and all levels of government to examine agriculture human resource issues and build meaningful research-based solutions.