Getting your Agriculture & Food Products to Market: Trade and Logistics Workshop
Edmonton • J.G. O’Donoghue Building | 7000-113 Street | Boardrooms A B C
March 2, 2016 | 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
There is no cost to participate in this event, but space is limited.
As Alberta’s agriculture and food sector continues to grow, export opportunities will be a critical piece of the picture. To support Alberta agriculture and food businesses to export internationally, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry with the support of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation is facilitating a half-day Trade and Logistics workshop.
The workshop will give interested Alberta agriculture and food companies, whether new or established exporters, an opportunity to learn more about the logistics and supply chain in exporting products internationally. Subject matter experts will provide valuable information on logistics, cargo services, freight forwarding and customs brokerage considerations related to exporting to ensure goods reach their destination.
Participants will learn more about the role that these groups play in the supply chain and how they can assist their company in exporting. In addition, participants will also have the opportunity to learn about:
- The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and its implications
- Different modes of shipment and transportation
- Foreign Trade Zones
- Key distribution points and cities
- Cool chain management
- Enhance your cash to cash cycle: Getting paid faster
- Company success stories and their distribution strategies
Speakers include:
- Port Alberta
- Freight Forwarding Companies such as: AOG International, Kuehne + Nagel and Livingston International
- Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
- Edmonton International Airport
- Food Processors Logistics and Research Council
- Rosenau Transport Ltd.
- Duckering’s Transport Ltd.
- CN Rail
- Sunrise Bakery
- The Little Potato Company
We want to hear from you! What questions do you have for the freight forwarders? Do you want to know more about ocean freight or current regulations in specific international markets?
Please forward your questions and RSVP to:
Shelly Nguyen, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Tel: 780-422-7103, shelly.nguyen@gov.ab.ca
SeCan Reaches Plant Breeders’ Rights Settlement for $150,000
Winnipeg, MB – February 18, 2016 – SeCan announced today the settlement of a Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) case between SeCan and Harvey Marcil of Pasqua Farms of Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. The settlement relates to unauthorized sales of PBR protected varieties CDC Bethune flax and AC® Strongfield durum.
“This was a particularly concerning situation as the industry has invested considerable resources launching re-constituted seed supplies of several flax varieties. Having an individual profit while perpetuating an industry problem was taken very seriously,” says SeCan’s Todd Hyra, Business Manager, Western Canada.
While full details of the settlement are not available, the parties have agreed to a cash settlement of $150,000, and a declaration there will be no additional unauthorized sales. This is the largest individual settlement for SeCan to date (the largest prior settlement was $120,000 in 2013).
Infringers need to be aware – it is not just a matter of paying royalties owing when you get caught. Settlement normally includes royalties, investigative and legal costs, and other damages, which can result in very substantial payments.
Under both PBR ‘78 and PBR ’91 (effective February 2015), farm saved seed is allowed, but it is against the law to make unauthorized sales of a protected variety. The rules under PBR ’91 have changed. Hyra explains, “Previously only the seller was liable for an illegal sale. The big change under PBR ‘91 (all varieties granted PBR protection after February 27, 2015) is that everyone associated with an illegal sale is potentially liable – this includes the seller, processor, and the individual who buys the seed. Grain handlers can also be held responsible, as rights extend to the harvested material.”
“If we want access to the best genetics, plant breeders from Canada and around the world need to know the Canadian industry is playing by the rules,” states Hyra.
SeCan is a consortium of over 700 independent Canadian seed businesses engaged in seed production, processing and marketing. As “Canada’s Seed Partner”, SeCan actively seeks partnerships that promote success in Canadian agriculture. SeCan is the largest supplier of certified seed to Canadian farmers, with more than 480 varieties in 27 crop types developed by public and private sector breeding programs.
Collectively, SeCan members are major supporters of seed variety research and development, returning more than $90 million in royalties and research funding since inception in 1976.
For more information, contact:
Todd Hyra
SeCan Business Manager, Western Canada
Tel: 204.489.9126
Cell: 204.782.8906
thyra@secan.com
Webinar: Agri-Workforce Attraction & Retention Lessons from the Oil & Gas Industry
Improve staff retention by learning from other industry sectors
February 16 | 1:30 – 3 p.m. MDT
Can we learn more about attracting and retaining workers from the oil and gas sector? This webinar featuring Cheryl Knight will outline attraction and retention lessons learned from her years in the oil and gas industry and identify current opportunities for agriculture. During this webinar you will:
- Learn how agriculture employers can benefit from the current oil and gas labour market
- Find out more about workforce planning
- Discover how to identify transferable skills from other sectors
- Explore retention and engagement tips
- Learn more about Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Workforce Development Program
For more information, please contact Gerard Bos at gerard.bos@gov.ab.ca or 780-980-4222.
Seed Protectant Pesticide Applicator – March 7&8, 2016 at Olds College
The tutorial is optional and is intended for people who are pursuing their Pesticide Applicator Certification with a special seed protectant application designation. The tutorial reinforces understanding of the Pesticide Applicator Certification study material and prepares the student for the applicator exam. The tutorial consists of a series of workshops and hands-on labs. (more…)
Proving we do it right – February 3rd in Lethbridge, AB
This one day workshop helps you prove you are growing hemp in a manner that meets your buyer expectations and requirements. (more…)
Work at a Seed Plant
Employment Opportunity
Forestburg Seed Plant is seeking a full or part time person as a plant operator. Contact us at 780-582-3819 or email: fscp@wildroseinternet.ca
Reach New Heights – ASP 2016 AGM
Welcome to the 63rd Annual Meeting
Both the seed industry, and our organization are undergoing major transitions. The Board of Directors have organized an agenda that should not only assist in garnering input from the membership as to the path forward for the Association, but also to provide guidance for individual Seed Processing Facilities to operate thriving businesses into the future. We have invited Wilf Keller from Ag West BioTech in Saskatoon to be our guest speaker on Thursday, talking how Biotech has shaped Agriculture in the past, present and into the future. At YOUR round table sessions, the Board needs to gather ideas and feedback on expanding our membership (or not), as well as receive feedback on how Plants are addressing the new Plant Breeders’ Rights Law.
Please note that all resolutions must be submitted in writing (mail, fax or email) prior to Tuesday, December 15th. Please see enclosed form to use when submitting. This allows time to distribute copies of resolutions to all Member Plants for review prior to the AGM which will then allow for proper discussion and debate.
Regional Elections for provincial directors in Regions 3, 4 & 7 will take place on Thursday January 14th. If you are in any of these regions, please bring forward nominations for Provincial Directorships! Remember that Apathy kills many real good organizations: Let’s ensure this organization is a great one, by being involved.
As always, the Board is sensitive to the ever-rising costs of meeting attendance, to that end, we strive to bring excellent value to AGM attendees: Registration Includes:
- Welcome Reception/Entertainment on Wednesday evening
- Breakfast, Luncheon & Banquet with entertainment on Thursday
- Breakfast & Luncheon on Friday.
- Access to the entire convention as per agenda: opportunity to have input as to the operation and direction of Your Association.
- BONUS WORKSHOP Employee Retention & Attraction & Financial Planning SCHEDULED AFTER THE AGM ON FRIDAY
We sincerely hope you are be able to join us, your input is important to shape the future of our Seed Processing Association.
See You in January!
David Bishop
President
Join us for the ASP annual meeting January 13-16, 2016. Click here for meeting and registration info.
2015 Board Report for 2016 AGM
CSI New Grader Training – October 28-29, 2015 in Leduc, AB
This event is in the past
Registration is now open online for CSI’s “New Grader Training” being offered in Leduc, Alberta at the Best Western Plus Denham Inn & Suites, on October 28-29, 2015. The session consists of two full days of training, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The morning of the 3rd day, October 30th, new graders can take the CFIA grader practical exam if they choose. For more details regarding the training session, or to register for the session, you can follow this link to the CSI website.
The class size is limited to 15 people, so please be sure to book early. Please contact the CSI head office staff if you have any questions. : phone.613.236.6451