$74.3 million in funding commitments for more than 1,000 projects supports the Agricultural Adaptation Council's (AAC) mission statement - to be a catalyst for innovation and growth for Ontario's agricultural and rural communities.

The majority of the funding support provided by the AAC is directed toward environmental sustainability and research and development initiatives.

"What is notable about this achievement is the AAC's effectiveness in leveraging its financial commitment with funding contributions from industry and other partners. This money encouraged new partnerships; supported value-added initiatives; and assisted with marketing Ontario agricultural products and services," said Murray Porteous, Chair of the AAC.

This milestone was announced in Simcoe, Ontario, where the AAC -- an organization dedicated to providing financial resources for innovative agriculture, food and rural economic development projects in Ontario -- met with regional representatives involved in the agri-food industry to outline various funding opportunities available under its programs.

At this event, Bob Speller, MP for Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant and Chair of the Prime Minister's Task Force on Future Opportunities in Farming, provided an update on the committee's work and highlighted issues the Task Force members heard while travelling across the country.

Their final report will propose recommendations that will focus on long-term solutions and opportunities to ensure a viable agriculture industry in Canada.

The AAC is a non-profit coalition of 54 agricultural, agri-business and rural organizations working together to support Ontario’s agricultural sector and rural communities. The AAC receives its funding through Ontario’s share of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Adaptation Rural Development (CARD) fund. The AAC supports projects that foster long-term growth, self-reliance, competitiveness and employment for Ontario agriculture.

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For more information: Mary Jarvis, Program Coordinator, Agricultural Adaptation Council Tel: (519) 822-7554 Mary's e-

mail