| If you would like to be added to the Explore Local database and receive updates about upcoming events and other projects as well as the quarterly Field Notes e-newsletter, please fill out the attached database form. If you only wish to receive the Field Notes e-newsletter, click on the button above.
This page will provide producers and processors interested in selling into local markets some general information on where to access resources and upcoming events, descriptions of the various marketing channels and some Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) specialists dealing with specific program areas.
Resources
For Resources specific to Producers/Processors, visit the Explore Local Resources page.
Upcoming Events
For upcoming events offered by the Explore Local Initiative, visit the Explore Local Events page.
Marketing Channel Descriptions
Farm Direct Marketing
Selling farm direct means selling fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, bedding plants, herbs, meats, jams, pies, sausages and other farm products at a farm or ranch gate, a farm or ranch store or stand, a roadside stall, an on-farm greenhouse, a U-pick farm, a community supported agriculture farm or by Internet or mail from a farm directly to the end consumer. Developing relationships with your customers is key to the success of this marketing channel. Many farm direct marketing businesses add ag-tourism events such as farm festivals, birthday parties and children's activities to their marketing mix. These events bring more customers to the farm, encourage them to stay longer and spend more money.
Farmers’ Markets
A niche farm direct marketing channel which creates the opportunity for customers to buy Alberta grown food, crafts and homemade goods from the Alberta producer, crafter or entrepreneur. The resulting communication and sharing of information creates trust and builds a sense of community. The market is designed to become a destination and attraction which builds goodwill, sharing and community support reminiscent of the ‘town square’ of previous generations. To learn more about the Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market Program.
Community Shared Agriculture (CSA)
CSAs - community shared agriculture or community supported agriculture - are part of a growing social movement that encourages urban and rural citizens to share responsibility for the land where their food is grown as well as for how their food is produced. In simplest terms, CSA is a partnership between agricultural producers and consumers where consumers pledge support to a farming operation in advance of production occurring for the season. CSAs usually consist of a system of weekly delivery or pick-up of vegetables and fruit, in a vegetable box arrangement, and sometimes includes dairy products and meat.
Ag Tourism
Ag tourism is the marriage between two of Alberta's top industries - agriculture and tourism. It presents the consumer or tourist with an opportunity to engage in a direct exchange of values between themselves and the farm community - whether it is at a farmers' market, on a farm tour, at an agriculture festival or fair, or at a country vacation farm or market garden. Ag tourism is a collection of ag-based attractions, events and services:
- Attractions
- Heritage farms and ranches
- Farm recreation and visits
- Ag industry tours
- Events
- Festivals
- Fairs
- Rodeos
- Conferences/trade shows
- Horse and livestock shows
- Services
- Tour operators
- Retail
- Food and beverage
- Accommodation
Cluster Development
A cluster is a group of like-minded stakeholders and operators who come together to increase the profile for their operations and geographic area, along an ag tourism theme. Cluster development is an internationally recognized economic development process. We know that the ag tourism industry in Alberta can benefit from this process by using agriculture as a theme to link dispersed operators. Through cluster partnerships ag tourism operators can: access new markets, boost profile and awareness, and increase the overall appeal and draw to a region - ultimately resulting in increased profits.
Regional Cuisine
Regional cuisine advocates the usage of quality locally grown ingredients, in union with the culture, geography, and history of Alberta. The "Dine Alberta: Savour the Regional Flavour" program is a stimulating way to showcase local agriculture products, family owned farms, and value added processing. Alberta's best chefs, at restaurants, bistros, catered food events, B&B's and meal preparation establishments are using Alberta's best home grown foods to create unforgettable meals all year round.
Culinary Tourism
Culinary tourism is the marriage of tourism and regional cuisine. It advocates experiencing the food of the country, region or area, and is considered a vital component of the tourism experience. In February 2009, the Alberta Culinary Tourism Strategy was presented to key stakeholders. This resulted in the formation of the Alberta Culinary Tourism Alliance.
Food Hubs
Food hubs offer storage, marketing and distribution solutions for locally produced food. A variety of food hub models exist. All offer the opportunity to attract new producers and expand the sale of locally grown food to a wider audience by developing new partnerships with retailers, foodservice operators, distributors, funders, and others. Food hubs draw people within the supply chain together and provide what is needed to make local food activity stronger.
Pet Food Industry
Alberta’s pet food and treat manufacturing industry is a compilation of small to medium size enterprises that manufacture: [a]extruded kibble (dry), semi-moist roll and frozen raw dog and cat foods with primary meat ingredients being chicken, beef, lamb, elk, bison and salmon; [b] treats in semi-moist dog treats manufactured with both mainstay and functional ingredients.
Processing Links
- For more information about the assistance Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development specialists can provide to processors, please visit the Food Business site.
- Agricultural Processing Industry Directory: This directory provides a comprehensive database of agricultural processing companies and industry organizations in Alberta.
ARD Resource Specialists
Explore Local Initiative key contact: Carmen Andrew, Red Deer 780-340-5542
New Ventures: If you are just starting up or need guidance to assess your business idea, then start with the New Venture Business Specialists at the Ag Info Centre at 310-FARM (toll free in Alberta). Kathy Bosse, Elaine Stenbraaten, Jan Warren
Farm Direct/On Farm Retailing: Karen Goad, Grande Prairie 780-538-5629
Farmers’ Markets: Eileen Kotowich, Vermilion 780-853-8223
Direct Marketing Meats: Bert Dening, Barrhead 780-674-8247
Dine Alberta/Culinary Tourism: Marlene Abrams, Stony Plain 780-968-3519
Horticulture: Rob Spencer, Stettler 310-FARM
Organics: Keri Sharpe, Stony Plain 780-968-6556
Value Chain Initiative: Margurite Thiessen, Stony Plain 780-968-3513
Food and Health Initiative: Kerry Engel, Edmonton 780-644-2967
Market Development Team: Nicole Schroth, Edmonton 780-643-1003
Pet Food Initiative: Leona Reynolds-Zayak, Vermilion 780-853-8103
We encourage you to join your local industry association for additional resources and upcoming events. Visit the Explore Local Partners page for a listing of some of the associations. |