AFFPA
Alberta Farm Fresh


ALBERTA FARM FRESH LOCAL FOOD SHORT COURSE
Berry, Vegetable and Protein Production and Marketing Courses

March 1st and 2nd, 2012 at the Black Knight Inn in Red Deer, Alberta, the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development will be hosting the ALBERTA FARM FRESH LOCAL FOOD SHORT COURSE, formerly named Berry & Vegetable School. The new name was chosen to help recognize that a full protein stream containing various sessions will be offered this year, as well as the introductory and advanced fruit and vegetable sessions as presented in the past.

This Short Course is open to both members and non-members of the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association. There will be sessions for new or potential producers, as well as established producers.

Fees for registration are $120 for 1 day or $200 for 2 days for AFFPA members, and $160 for 1 day and $240 for 2 days for non members.

2012 Registration Form


2012 Tentative Agenda


For more information please contact Krista at 1-800-661-2642 or Email Krista

Good for Health, Healthy for Business
Motivation, inspiration and tools to help you meet your customers' demands for healthy products.

A seminar for food processors, producers, researchers, industry associations and retailers:
January 11, 2012, Enjoy Centre, 101 Riel Drive, St. Albert.


Loblaw to address food and ag industry
Discover how Loblaw plans to achieve its healthier food option targets and how Alberta processors can play a part in Loblaw's goal to improve the health of Canadians.

Tina Stewart, R&D dietitian with Loblaw Companies Ltd., is sure to spark conversation at the Good for Health, Healthy for Business seminar on January 11, 2012.

40% of Loblaw stores sourced locally last year. Discover how you can become a part of their goal to expand their assortment of locally source products.


Loblaw plans to reduce sodium in 200 existing control brand products by 50% as part of the federal government targets. Find out what innovation is required to develop new products with ensure taste is as important as a priority as health.

Pilots for a consumer 'nutrition score-card' system, diabetes awareness program, and in-store dietitians position; Loblaw stores to have a key role for improving the health and well-being of Canadians. Learn if there is a place for Alberta processors and ingredient suppliers in these programs.

According to Galen G. Weston, Executive Chair with Loblaw Companies Ltd., Loblaw has established a health and wellness team.They are ramping up emphasis on nutrition by building their Blue Menu product line, reducing the amount of sodium in their control brands, eliminating trans fats, and increasing the fiber, vitamins and other healthier elements in a wide range of products.

On January 11, Alberta's food and ag industries can learn how they can be a part of this transition. Call today to learn how retailers and local processors are responding to increasing consumer demand for healthy food products.
To register call: 1 800 387 6030

Good for Health, Healthy for business seminar, January 11, 2012 at the Enjoy Centre, 101 Riel Drive, St. Albert. 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM. $25/person includes lunch and GST.

The Good for Health program was developed by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development's Food and Health Unit and is supported by Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Other partners include:

  • Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association
  • Alberta Milk
  • Alberta Pulse Growers Commission
  • Alberta Egg Producers
  • Alberta Institute for Human Nutrition
  • Good For Health

    Towards a Vibrant Local Food Economy
    Explore Local Initiative of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development invites you:

    To share your thoughts on.....

  • The best way to develop a robust local food system in Alberta
  • Key strategies needed to develop a strong local food economy
  • Who should be involved in setting the ground work

  • We need your knowledge of:

    Local food issues and successful approaches from all sectors of the food network including farmers, ranchers, processors, distributors, brokers, retailers and all areas of food service.


    All Sessions are from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Includes catered local lunch.


    Select the date and location that suits you best and Register NOW as seating is limited. Call the Registration line at 1-800-387-6030

  • Edmonton on January 10, 2012 at the J.G. O'Donoghue Building
  • Grande Prairie on January 11, 2012 at the Provincial Building
  • Airdrie on January 24, 2012 at the Provincial Building
  • Lethbridge on January 25, 2012 at the Research Station
  • Vermilion on January 31, 2012 in the Provincial Building

  • Deadline for registration is 2 weeks prior to session date.


    Business Opportunity Program accepting applications
    The Business Opportunity Program is open to primary producers, producer groups and new entrants to the agriculture industry starting a farming operation. This program supports activities to assess a new opportunity or start a new endeavour including feasibility studies, opportunity assessments, market research, mentoring and coaching, and business planning.

    Applications are supported on a cost-share basis. Grants cover 75 per cent of eligible expenses for approved activities and applicants cover 25 per cent; with grants awarded up to a maximum of $30,000 per applicant.

    To apply, please contact a new venture coach 310-FARM (3276) or download an application at www.GrowingForward.Alberta.ca

    Growing Forward is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.


    Interested in Farm Direct Marketing?

    Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association is happy to announce that the educational manual:
    "Seed, Nurture, Harvest
    - Steps to Success in
    Farm Direct Marketing "

    is now available. This well rounded reference manual features valuable information on becoming a farm direct marketer.

    Chapters include:

  • What is Farm Direct Marketing
  • Producer Success Stories
  • Safe Food-Farm Direct Advantage
  • Farmers' Markets Information
  • Alberta Water Act and You
  • Elements of a Business Plan
  • Pricing for Profit
  • Getting Control of Your Pricing: Bob Cobbledick
  • AgriTourism Insurance
  • Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association

    Over 200 pages of information will help you establish a pathway to success and will become a longtime business reference. Add to it, make notes, learn, grow!

    Call 1-800-661-2642 to receive your complimentary copy. Quantities are limited! E-Book is now available!

    Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association gratefully acknowledges the Province of Alberta, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for providing funding for the production of this manual.

    A special thanks to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development for materials and staff members for their insight and additions to this manual and to the producers who took the time to be interviewed and shared their stories.

    Electronic version now available!

    Get to know the new AFFPA Administrative Assistant, Krista Miller

    Krista Miller of Longview, AB is the new administrative assistant for Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association. She owns and operates Willowbank Ranch along with her husband Robert. They farm direct market Angus beef and Saskatoon berries, as well as owning and operating Miller Supply Ltd. Krista graduated from Olds College in 2002 with a diploma in Agriculture Business.

    Krista is excited to be a part of Alberta Farm Fresh, and believes in farm direct marketing as a financially and environmentally sustainable practice that provides customers in Alberta with healthy, wholesome food. The local food industry is dynamic and growing, and Krista is so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the movement! Krista looks forward to working with everyone involved with AFFPA, from growers to consumers.

    Please don't hesitate to contact her.

    Contact Krista: Email or at 1-800-661-2642.

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