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Connecting farms with markets

Agricultural producers who are eager to change their operations to match market and consumer demand might gain some valuable tips at AgChoices 2010.

Agricultural producers who are eager to change their operations to match market and consumer demand might gain some valuable tips at AgChoices 2010.

This year’s edition of the annual farm conference in Red Deer will follow the theme: “See the Market. Seize the Opportunity.”

Scheduled for Feb. 10, the event will feature a number of presentations focusing on business opportunities and strategies for farm businesses.

“Leading-edge speakers and a farm panel discussion will stimulate thinking about how to connect your farm business to a world of market opportunities,” said Jodi Murphy, who is with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

Among those speakers will be food industry consultant Ted Bilyea, who will talk about global trends and opportunities; and farm business consultant Ron Witherspoon, who will look at how primary producers can capitalize on consumers demand.

The panel will consist of Alberta producers discussing how their farm business have evolved and the changes and challenges along the way.

Also presenting will be Agriculture Minister George Groeneveld.

Murphy said AgChoices will again feature rotating information sessions, where participants can choose from topics like local food market opportunities, export markets for barley and value chain tools and resources.

Cost is $95 per person or $75 each for two or more people from the same family or business. The fee for students is $45.

Registrations can be completed by phone at 1-800-387-6030, or online by downloading a form from www.agriculture.alberta.ca/agchoices. The deadline is Feb. 5.

AgChoices is sponsored by Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.