| | With countless Albertans seeking the benefits of a more health-conscious lifestyle, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development's recent Try Healthy Forum conference proved a success in developing the business relationships that will provide significant growth for the organic, natural, and wellness areas of agriculture.
The forum, held August 8-9, 2006, in Banff, brought together businesses involved in natural organic and wellness products from Mexico, U.S. and Canada for a focused two days.
The forum featured:
- more than 90 Canadian, American and Mexican producers, processors and distributors of organic, natural and wellness-related products
- 60 scheduled buyer/seller meetings
- 24 selected trade show booths
- 10 hours of intense networking opportunities
- 8 engaging, industry-savvy speakers
- upwards of three export deals for Alberta companies with other alliances pending
"We know opportunities for organic and natural products are out there, but we have to be sure that industry groups have the opportunity to maximize their potential," says Doug Horner, Minister of Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
In Canada's organic industry alone, there are over 3600 certified organic producers that represent a very diverse cross-section of the country's agricultural market. "Events like this capitalize on the possibilities this field can offer both to the agricultural industry and to a society that is increasingly calling for healthier alternatives," adds Horner.
The Try Healthy Forum was developed as a result of discussions at the 2005 Puerto Vallarta Tri-National Accord and was made possible by a variety of key stakeholders, including Northlands and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.
Contact:
Arron Best
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
(780) 422-2043 |
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