Energizing Agricultural Transformation

 

 Agriculture and agri-food continue to ‘feed’ the Canadian economy. In 2018, it contributed over $110 Billion to the GDP, making Canada one of the top ag producers in the world. Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance (AlbertaSW) recognizes that while agriculture is a known economic engine relatively little is known about what categories of agriculture and agri-food exist in the southwest quadrant of the province. With an eye on the future, the AlbertaSW executive wants to determine if there are ways to support existing agri-business while exploring new innovative agricultural trends and trade opportunities. 

The Energizing Agricultural Transformation project has three phases and is estimated to be completed mid-2020: 

Phase 1: Ag Industry Inventory 

Research and gather information to create a regional agriculture and agri-food snapshot. At a minimum, include answers to the following questions: 

 Who is growing what? Categories of crops, food processors, markets, etc. 

 What capacity are they at? Do they wish to expand? 

 Where are the stated challenges and opportunities in the region? 

 Are succession plans in place? 

 Who has a future focused on innovation? 

 Who needs/wants assistance? 

The research will focus primarily on input companies such as farmers, ranchers, agri-food processing companies, ag industry support services and to a degree, retailers providing market access to local growers/farmers. 

 

Phase 2: Make a Tactical Plan 

From the research findings in Phase 1, develop a short tactical plan that mitigates gaps and harvests opportunities: 

 What we Heard – a summary of who wants to grow, who needs assistance, regional trends, etc. 

 Resources available 

 Matchmaking of resources to agri-business 

 Summary of capacity and capability for expansion 

 

Phase 3: Capacity-building 

Implement the tactical plan to expand regional agri-businesses. Create awareness of emerging opportunities and options to address challenges along with the resources available to support both: 

 Three workshops to build awareness, educate and/or train 

 Leverage agri-business partners (academic institutions, trade organizations, etc.) 

 Two events. E.g., ‘Ask an Expert’ and various information sessions on topics identified during Phase 1 research 

 Matchmaker sessions, linking challenges and/or opportunities to known resources and support 

 

Project Updates: