This project identifies viable non-government options which will provide the organic industry with creative funding ideas based on sound underlying principles that will enable it to pursue an ongoing strategy for the continued maintenance of the Canadian Organic Standards.

This projects prepares an analysis of the Canadian Certified Seed industry that tracks activity along the seed sector value chain.The analysis identifies the needs and understanding of certified seed along the entire seed value chain. This provides a benchmark measure of the needs and understanding amongst the stakeholders along the value chain with regard to the seed sector, its capabilities and the benefits and value of certified seed to their operations.

This study produces an asset map of food producing and the processing industry in Atlantic Canada. This will help define the nature and magnitude of industry, current circumstances, and gain insights into its future. This project includes three components: 1) an examination of sector assets (business environment, raw material supply, financial assets, labour, research and development), 2) economic impact analysis by food and beverage sector sub-groups and provinces, and 3) a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis based on a survey of Atlantic Canada food and beverage businesses. The key food sub-goups are seafood, vegetable and fruit processing, dairy, and bakeries, while the beverage sub-groups are soft-drink and juice manufacturers, breweries, wineries, and distilleries. 1,300 surveys distributed in Atlantic Canada - online and telephone.

This study undertook research to identify plant pest response best practices for the greenhouse and potato industries in Canada. It will serve as the basis for a national consistent framework based on risk identification, management mechanisms and a compensation function. The study reviewed practices in the United States, Mexico, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to determine a Best Practice Model. The review was done using literature and interviews with industry representatives in each country. The suggested model was reviewed by separate Canadian working groups drawn from the greenhouse and potato industries.

This study identifies the most effective practical methods to successfully transfer research findings and new/best practices to potato, grains and oilseeds farmers in PEI, and thus encourages eventual full-scale successful farm level implementation. The key components are combined in this project to identify best practice technology transfer models and extension practices used in other leading potato producing areas; improve understanding of enabling conditions and challenges for optimal technology transfer in PEI (this objective has been completed); and provide recommendations to improve technology transfer in PEI potato and grains and oilseeds sectors (whether by private and/or government resources).Full interviews are administered by phone.