Value-Added Ag Initiative
As the local food movement grows, so does the diversity of food grown and produced within the area- meats, cheeses, veggies, coffee roasting, even beer is produced here, and many more!
Sourcing local has many benefits including:
• Fresher, in-season food which tastes better
• Less transportation and fossil fuel usage
• The confidence of knowing where your food comes from
• Supporting local families to live and do business in the area
• Supporting and growing our local economy
We are currently working with the region’s Economic Development officers to assist in the education of local food awareness and value-added business development.
We have a short survey (less than 5 minutes) that will help us develop a strategy and provide valuable extension resources to anyone interested in starting or already has an established value-added business.
Upcoming events
The Ag E-commerce Experience: webinar
Thursday, November 18, 2020, 9:00 am– 10:00 amREGISTER HERE
Grant Funding Opportunities
These programs are directly associated with value-added development, there are numerous programs available for farms & ranches too. If you have any questions about producer questions you are welcome to contact the CARA office at 403-664-3777
CAP – Adapting Innovative Solutions in Agriculture
Alberta Export Expansion Program
BioTalent – Career Focus Green Jobs – Wage Subsidy
Saskatchewan Value-Added CAP funding – available to Saskatchewan residents
CAP- Products to Markets (Small Projects) – currently closed
CAP- Products to Markets (Large Projects) – currently closed
CAP – Emerging Opportunities – currently closed
Local Food Infrastructure Fund – Community & non-profit grant
CanExport Community Investment
– Community & non-profit grant
Loans Available
These are a list of loans known to our association we encourage you to do your own investigation into repayable options.
AWE Business loans – for women
If you know of any additional grants or loans to be added to this list please contact our office at 403-664-3777
R2R Business Directory
A list of the local businesses and resources available in the area can be found online on the Return to Rural Project website here:
R2R Directory
Join the directory by emailing Wanda.Diakow@specialareas.ab.ca
Regional Producer Showcase
COMING SOON!
Support Services
Special Areas Economic Development Officer
Cactus Corridor Economic Development Corporation
Value-Added Ag Articles
Alberta Health Service – Food Business – Food Safety rules updates
Delectable cheese, tasty beef, and moving on up the value chain — LIVE! with Jeff Nonay (Oct 1, 2020)
The COVID-19 Pandemic Forces Some Farmers to Pivot to Direct-to-Consumer (April 1, 2020)
Direct-to-consumer sales heat up for farmers (April 23, 2020)
Alberta launches strategy for value-added agriculture (Feb 20, 2020)
Diverse, with high value: a look at B.C’s evolving agriculture sector (Aug 15, 2018)
Proceed to checkout — what online shopping could mean for the beef industry (April 3, 2018 )
A new approach: Turning to consumers for production advice (Aug 25, 2017)
Your value-added idea (April 9, 2015)
Farm Direct Marketing for Rural Producers (June 2013)
Video Resources
Export Webinars
Webinar series includes topic such as:
Planes, Trains & Trucks Oh My! Covid-19 Impacts on Logistics
So You Think You Can Export (Part 1 & 2)
Pivot Your Business During and Post- pandemic with Non-Branded Manufacturing
How to Enter the Food Service Sector
Using CanadaGAP for Your On-Farm Food Safety Program
CanadaGAP is a recognized on-farm food safety program for products like fruit, potatoes, greenhouse vegetables, field and leafy vegetables.
In this series of short videos, discover how and why Paradise Hill Farm made the decision to adopt CanadaGAP as their on-farm food safety program.
For more information, visit www.canadagap.ca
Export Services Webinars
Webinar series includes topic such as:
Have You thought About Exporting?
Export Essentials: What’s Involved in Exporting
Farmers’ Market Merchandising
A series of tips for farmers’ market newcomers, including naming your business, creating an experience and displaying bok choy.
Webinar series includes topic such as:
Creating an Image
Booth Set Up
Product Labelling
Signs & Signage
Salesmanship
Presentation
Creating a Memorable Shopping Experience
Value-Added Ag Initiative Partners
Wanda Diakow
Special Areas Regional Economic Development
P. 403-577-3523
wanda.diakow@specialareas.ab.ca
Steven Kuhn
Town of Oyen Corporate Services Manager
P. 403-664-3511
townoffice@townofoyen.com
Mark Nikota
Economic Development Officer
P. 403-854-5999
mark.nikota@cactuscorridor.com
Tammy MacMillan
Hanna Business Concierge
P. 403-854-5999
info@hannabusinesshub.com