Food News February 2005

Access U.S. Seminar
March 9, 2005 Place: Executive Royal Inn, Calgary, AB
Want to gain an edge in the U.S. Market? Attend a seminar that will provide exporters a forum to learn about opportunities, procedures and regulations involved with marketing food products and livestock into the U.S. Guest speakers will include a representative from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration who will be discussing the Bio-Terrorism Act and Prior Notice legislation, an Agriculture and Agri-Food specialist from the U.S., and a speaker on U.S. market trends. For more details contact Gail Lemke, AFPA at (780) 444-2272x224 or Anita Lum, AAFC at (780) 495-4948.

International Food Symposium
March 10-11, 2005 Place: The Sheraton Suites Hotel, Calgary, AB
It is imperative that the agri-food and food industry continually updates their knowledge base of global food and agri-food trends. World events, global trade issues, expanding global markets, increased competition, corporate consolidation and better informed and assertive health conscious consumers are changing global food markets.
To be competitive in a global industry it is important to understand the “big picture” and to be aware of what global forces are impacting on the marketplace. The International Food Symposium will bring together some of the key players and big thinkers from around the world for two days in Calgary to connect, share and learn from each other. Contact Colin Foran at 403-215-4545 or colin@theinnovators.net . Detailed information can be found at www.theinnovators.net/food2005.pdf

International Value Chain Symposium
May 25-27, 2005 Place: Hyatt Regency Calgary, Calgary, AB
“Global Links: The truth about value chains” is a two and a half day conference that was created to provide an opportunity to share information, create knowledge and develop networks with individuals deeply involved in strategic alliances from around the world. Learn why some businesses have considered this strategy, the challenges they encountered and what was important to their success. The goal is to give you the opportunity to gain a greater perspective on alliance strategies and learn a set of tools you can incorporate in your organization. For more details, call Laura Lee Billings at 780-955-3714 X234 or go to www.imci.ca/globallinks/index.html

Assistance Available to Attend Trade Shows
Planning to attend any of these upcoming events for new product or technology ideas?
· Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim – Mar 17-20, 2005
· SIAL, Montreal - April 13-15, 2005
· National Restaurant Association Show, Chicago – May 21-24, 2005
AFPA’s Market Technology Program can provide Alberta agri-processing companies with cost shared assistance with economy airfare, ground transportation, accommodation, and registration fees to participate in these and other industry events. For application details, contact Gail Lemke at 780-444-2272 or gail@afpa.com. Program details are available at www.afpa.com/pro/missions.shtml

Last Chance…
Natural Health Products (NHP) ‘Train the Trainer’ Session
Time’s running out…register right away and get an update on the new NHP Regulations. The last in a series of information sessions on the new guidance documents and step-by-step guides from Health Canada will be held in Red Deer on Feb 23, 2005. For more information or to register contact the Ag-Info Centre at 1-800-387-6030.

Upcoming Food Safety Training
- HACCP Prerequisite Program: Equipment Workshop, Calgary – Feb 24, 2005 AM
- HACCP Prerequisite Program: Sanitation & Pest Control, Calgary – Feb 24, 2005 PM
- Developing Your Allergen Management Plan, Edmonton – April 11-12, 2005
- HACCP IV: Validation & Verification of Your HACCP Plan, Calgary – April 25-26, 2005
- HACCP V: Effective Auditing of Your HACCP Plan, Calgary – April 27-28, 2005
- Certified HACCP Auditor (ASQ), Calgary – May 2-3, 2005
Contact: Spring Savage at 403-201-3657 Ext 25 or safety@afpa.com