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In October 2009, the University of Alberta School of Business and the Agriculture and Food Council (AFC) launched the Agri-Food Leadership Program. While the program’s evaluation won’t be complete until later this summer, Leanne Fischbuch, manager of council operations, says the 14 pilot participants’ “responses to the program are going to dictate how we move forward with it.” Until then, entrepreneurs seeking to develop leadership skills and knowledge of the agri-food industry can check out these provincial offerings.
Growing Forward
The Leadership Development Grant program supports ongoing education; Entrepreneur Development provides education with a side of networking.
Province-wide
www.growingforward.alberta.ca
Olds College
Study agricultural management or agriculture finance, or earn a bachelor of applied science degree in agribusiness.
Olds
www.oldscollege.ca
University of Alberta
In partnership with the department of rural economy, the University of Alberta School of Business has an MBA/master of agriculture joint degree.
Edmonton
www.business.ualberta.ca
Lakeland College
Along with its Centre for Agribusiness Training and Education, Lakeland has a two-year agribusiness diploma.
Vermilion
www.lakelandcollege.ca
Capital is not always easy to come by for entrepreneurs, particularly if they’re new to an industry like agri-foods. (more…)
Hunger for Success (more…)
- Alberta’s 2009 food and beverage manufacturing sales dropped 21.5% to $55.3 billion.
- Following Ontario and Quebec, Alberta’s agri-food sector is the third largest in Canada.
- Total agri-food exports for 2009 decreased from $8.4 billion to $7.6 billion.
- Alberta food sales in 2009 reached a record $12 billion.
- In 2008, $1.8 billion in planned agri-food investments in Canada went to machinery and equipment.
- The United States was Alberta’s largest export market in 2009.
Sources: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Government of Alberta, Invest in Canada
Back to Basics
When the United Farmers of Alberta discharged its president and CEO Dallas Thorsteinson and CFO John Steen in February, the 100-year-old co-operative said it was a necessary move to get itself back to the basics of agriculture, serving farmers and ranchers. Weeks later, the board of directors announced Bob Nelson, vice-president of petroleum operations since 2005, would be interim president and CEO until a new candidate for the role is found. Under Thorsteinson, the UFA has diversified to include Wholesale Sports, but it’s the co-operative’s intent to return to assisting the agriculture industry and rural communities.
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