Pine Mushroom Price Disparity Grows

As reported on the message boards at matsiman.com, Japanese auction house prices for imported pine mushrooms have been as high as 100,000 yen/kg in October (approximately $360 USD/lb).

Prices in the same period paid to BC pickers however have been weak, ranging from $5 - $12/lb, with prices at the low end of that range paid in the Terrace and Nass Valley areas.

The large disparity between Pacific Northwest wholesale prices and the Japanese import prices realized is a continuing point of concern among wild mushroom harvesters who believe unfair pricing is rooted in a virtual monopoly at the brokerage level.

There are signs however that a small domestic gourmet market for pines is developing with some domestic sales reported at up to $48/lb into Vancouver and Victoria.

BC Woodlots Education Resources

The Federation of BC Woodlot Associations has a resource package available to provide education on BC's forests, protecting forest values and resources (timber and non-timber) and how they can be managed by visiting woodlot licences around BC.

The resources package includes a 12 minute DVD "Our Family Forests: BC's Woodlot Licence Program", a lesson plan, vocabulary quiz, crossword puzzles, curricular connections for teachers and contacts for woodlot tours in the local forest districts around the Province.

Growing the Bioeconomy: Solutions for Sustainability Conference

The 2009 Bio eConference—“Growing the Bioeconomy: Solutions for Sustainability”—is a 12-state alliance of simultaneous state conferences. These co-host sites will be sharing content through high-speed communication systems to promote agriculturally - based sustainable solutions to global climate change and energy supply. The conference will tackle the sustainability challenge by:

* Exploring a systems perspective on biorenewables.
* Offering solutions to current questions regarding grain ethanol.
* Examining the potential role of biochar as an agent for carbon sequestration.
* Discussing the implementation of new ideas for land stewardship with biofuels agriculture.

Keynote address: James E. Lovelock, Ph.D.

One of the world’s most renowned thinkers on global environmental science, Dr. Lovelock has called upon farmers to convert agricultural residues to biochar for incorporation into the soil as the only solution to global climate change.

For more information visit the conference website.

UNBC Student Researching Agroforestry Adoption

Eric Kopetski, a Master of Arts candidate in the Geography Program at the University of Northern British Columbia is investigating the social implications of agroforestry adoption in the central interior.

His project is assessing the potential for agroforestry to increase the resilience of Quesnel and the surrounding area in light of the mountain pine beetle epidemic. The success of an agroforestry initiative depends partly on the willingness of ranchers to grow agroforestry crops, provincial government support, and the existence of a policy framework that supports the growth of agroforestry crops on agricultural land. The project will help to determine these factors, which will also aid in the development of a bioenergy/bioproducts industry.

California Sustainable Ag Expo

5th Annual Sustainable Ag Expo
November 16 & 17, 2009
Embassy Suites Hotel, San Luis Obispo, California

Crop specific and general seminars featuring researchers, extension, consultants and growers. Extensive print and electronic promotions for sponsors and exhibitors. Topics addressed are appropriate for row crops, vineyards, orchards, & rangeland. Continuing education credit for Pest Control Advisors, Private Applicators, Certified Crop Advisors and water quality, including 2 hours of laws and regulations. Unique trade show includes businesses with specialty products.

For more information visit the conference website.

Registration for Nanaimo NTFR Forum

The Forum on Non-Timber Forest Resources 'Linking Policy, Research and Economic Opportunities' is fast approaching. The Forum will be held at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo, BC on Friday, November 6th.

The registration fee is $80.00 plus GST and includes two nutritional breaks and a buffet-style lunch.

Accommodations have been reserved for Forum participants.

Registration is quickly reaching capacity. If you are interested in attending please submit a completed registration form with payment no later than October 30, 2009.

Webinar: Farming in the Green Economy

Farming in the green economy: How pricing carbon changes everything

Webinar from the Canadian Farm Business Management Council

November 23, 2009, 12:00 PM EST

Presented By: Bryan Gilvesy

Cap and trade systems will ultimately place value on carbon, creating market incentives for those that can sequester, mitigate or create renewable forms of this basic element. The pricing of carbon will redefine farms and what is considered farm production, providing rural Canada access to new income streams in the green economy.

Visit the CFBMC Website for more information or to register.

CNC Expansion Includes Plans for Agroforestry Education

The College of New Caledonia (CNC) has received funding to expand it's Quesnel campus and plans for the new space include offering instructions in horticulture and agroforestry.

CNC's North Cariboo Community Campus opened in 2006 in a joint facility with the University of Northern B.C. This expansion will complete Phase 2 of the project and is scheduled for completion in February 2011.

The new campus building will include a total area of over 2,660 square metres of instructional shops, classrooms, lab and office space, and will accommodate a variety of trades and technical programs, including welding, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, mechanics, power engineer, agroforestry, horticulture and animal science.

Read the CNC announcement here.

Agroforestry Products and NTFPs featured in 'Eat Your History'

Huckleberries, fiddleheads, bigleaf maple syrup, blackberries and elderberries are among the many reader suggestions for foods with unique histories in BC.

Read the full article at the Tyee.

Agroforestry Potential Prominent in New Climate Action Website

BC's agricultural producers and food processors have a new, centralized source of information about how climate change is affecting the sector, and the challenges and opportunities associated with taking action.

The British Columbia Agriculture and Food Climate Action Initiative website - www.bcagclimateaction.ca - is a project of the Climate Action Initiative. Launched sixteen months ago, the Initiative enables a pan-agricultural, proactive approach to identifying and analyzing the impacts of climate change and associated public policy on the agriculture and food processing sectors. The Climate Action Initiative facilitates industry's engagement in policy dialogue, outreach and education, and assists with project development.

The Climate Action Initiative's information section on "Removing GHG emissions (sequestration)" features agroforestry information and resources.

Progress Reported on Alternate Mulches for Blueberries

"Sawdust mulches in blueberry production have been a traditional BMP. However, sawdust has now become a commodity that is in much demand for other purposes and hence its availability and/or expense are limiting its use in blueberry production. In addition, the high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of sawdust fosters microbial immobilization of nitrogen in the root zone and necessitates application of synthetic fertilizers at rates in excess of actual crop requirements. YTC may be an effective alternative to sawdust as mulch for blueberry. It is a source of organic nitrogen and may help to control weeds, improve soil surface structure, conserve soil water and nutrients, and provide other soil biological benefits."

Read the full progress report here.

Agri-Food Value-Adding In BC Videoconferences

Agri-Food Value-Adding In BC
Two Learning modules from the Canadian Value Chain Network

1. Market Intelligence: Gathering & Planning for New Product Introductions

November 26th, 2009
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
4 Video Conference Sites Available: Abbotsford, Duncan, Kamloops and Prince George

Registration Fee: $50.00+GST

This module will teach participants how to identify market opportunities and create successful “product positioning.”

Participants will:
- Learn how to develop a market intelligence profile by determining what information is relevant to design a product and get into a selected market
- Assess the value of using market intelligence gathering activities for a specific product category
- Identify cost-effective means, both basic and complex, to develop market intelligence
- Practice using new concepts and tools to develop and plan the introduction of new products
- Develop a market intelligence plan specific to their product

Registration available on-line at: https://www.regonline.ca/market-intelligence

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2. Partnering & Collaboration: How to Approach Retailers

November 27th, 2009
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
4 Video Conference Sites Available: Abbotsford, Duncan, Kamloops and Prince George

Registration Fee: $50.00+GST

Understanding the strategic challenges facing food retailers will help participants understand how to establish partnerships with food service as well as brokers. This module will provide the knowledge and help participants develop proposals that could be presented to retailers.

Participants will:

- Learn to identify appropriate retailers and their characteristics
- Study a profile of the current retail market environment
- Study case examples to learn how to successfully approach retailers
- Develop a suitable approach to a selected retailer
- Be part of a compelling team presentation to a retailer

Registration available on-line at: www.regonline.com/how_to_approach_retailers_workshop

Date set for 2010 Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival

The date for the third annual Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival at the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan will be Saturday, February 6th, 2010.

The festival attracted over 2,000 people in 2009, and featured West Coast maple syrup tasting, education session on tapping trees and making syrup, and other family-friendly displays and attractions.

The festival is a partnership between the BC Forest Discovery Centre and Vancouver Island "Sap Suckers."

BCFGA Horticultural Forum, Nov. 13

BC Fruit Growers Association Horticultural Forum
November 13 2009 at the Penticton Convention Centre.

The Theme of the 40th Anniversary Horticultural Forum is "New Varieties". Professor David Hughes from Great Britain will give marketing insight to help producers decide what to grow. Practical workshops will be held and the trade show is always a popular part of the Hort Forum.

For more information visit www.bcfga.com/viewEvent.php?eventID=19§ionID=2

Or email: info@bcfga.com

Food Ingredients Trade Show 2009

November 17-19, 2009
Frankfurt, Germany

This trade show, held in conjunction with the Natural Ingredient 2009 Conference focuses on the natural ingredients industry and the food ingredients industry.

More than 19,000 visitors from over 100 countries expected in 2009, delivering a truly global audience under one roof to see your products.

Over 75% of visitors have a direct role in their company’s purchasing cycle, providing total on-site purchasing power of over 22 billion.

For more information visit http://fieurope.ingredientsnetwork.com/exhibit

Natural Ingredients Conference 2009

November 17-19, 2009
Frankfurt, Germany

This conference is designed for professionals involved in the food and natural ingredients industry: research and development, product innovation, product development, sales and marketing within: food, beverage and cosmetics, product manufacturers, ingredients suppliers, retailers, regulatory authorities and research institutes.

For more information visit http://ni.ingredientsnetwork.com/home

Governments Commit Additional Funds to Fruit Growers Programs

Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson and Kelowna-Lake Country MP Ron Cannan presented a $591,426 cheque to the BC Fruit Growers’ Association on October 3rd as part of the Orchards and Vineyards Transition program.

“In B.C., our tree fruit growers have established themselves as leaders in this international industry and, as a result, have earned an outstanding reputation for their products worldwide,” said Thomson. “The tree fruit and grape industries are subject to an ever-changing market and we are working with them to ensure they remain competitive both in B.C. and in the global marketplace.”

In 2007, the Government of Canada and the Province entered into a contribution agreement for the Orchards and Vineyards Transition Program to help the tree fruit and grape industries adapt to industry pressures and changing markets. The federal government contributed $4.98 million toward strategic plans and removal costs, and the Province provided $3 million through a grant to the Investment Agriculture Foundation for an orchard replant program. The term of the agreement is for four years, starting in fiscal 2007-08 to 2010-11.

“The Government of Canada remains committed to the long-term success of British Columbia’s orchards and vineyards,” said Cannan, on behalf of federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “I’m proud to be part of a government that is delivering real results for farmers to ensure profitability of and growth of their operations.”

This funding is part of the removal program funded by the federal government and delivered by the BC Fruit Growers’ Associajavascript:void(0)tion, which covers removal and disposal costs of tree fruits and/or grapes to prepare the land and make it available for agriculture or cultivation.

A Future Beneath the Trees, Volume 2 - available now!

The Centre for Non-timber Resources at Royal Roads University has released the 2nd issue of it's newsletter 'A Future Beneath the Trees'.

This edition includes articles on Saskatoon berries, the Challenge of Managing NTFPs and Developing More Effective Methods for Assessing Conservation and Livelihood Outcomes.

Reminder: Shop the Wild 2009, this weekend

The Centre for Non-timber Resources at Royal Roads Unniversity is hosting the 4th annual Shop the Wild Festival on October 3rd and 4th, inside the Mews Conference Centre in Victoria.

This a free public event with over 35 exhibitors providing wild mushrooms, jams and syrups, alder smoked salmon, natural body care products, eco-furniture, native plants, artisan wood products and much more.