Workshop on natural products hold benefit for agriculture

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Agricultural producers and entrepreneurs with an idea for processing their commodities into natural health products (NHPs) have some help available to make it happen.

Ag-West Bio Inc. is working with the Western Canadian Functional Food and Natural Health Product Network, the Province of Alberta and the Manitoba Food Processors Association to host a series of workshops on setting up facilities to process and manufacture NHPs.

The first of the four workshops will be held September 20 at Innovation Place in Saskatoon.

“With the increasing interest from consumers in managing their own health and seeking access to healthy products, this market is expected to continue growing,” said Krista Dennis, Director of Communications with Ag-West Bio Inc.

“Producers in Saskatchewan and all across Canada are looking for ways to enhance their bottom lines and add value to the crops they grow,” she added. “This is one of the ways they can certainly do that, if they’re willing to invest a little time and effort in the start-up.”

Dennis stated that a number of agricultural commodities common to Saskatchewan can be refined into NHPs. Flax is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids and lignans, both popular health supplements. Canola is also rich in omega-3s, and is a good source of Vitamin E. Fenugreek, hemp and borage are just three types of specialty crops grown in the province that can be processed into very desirable health products.

However, along with the increasing activity in this area has come new federal regulations. That’s one of the reasons Dennis said the workshops became necessary.

“As of 2004, Health Canada instituted a new regulatory and licensing scheme, administered through their Natural Health Products Directorate. Since the products are being marketed and sold for their health benefits, the requirements become a bit more onerous. But this lets the consumer know that the products are legitimate and that they are safe, so there’s also some benefit for manufacturers,” she noted.

“We just want to make sure that people who might want to get into this area are aware of the guidelines, and know that help is available in complying with them.”

Dennis indicated the first workshop will focus on planning and building NHP facilities that incorporate “Good Manufacturing Practices,” or GMPs, into the design. These are both cost-saving and performance-enhancing methods on how to establish an operation that meets the latest NHP regulations.

“This is a good introductory course for anyone wanting to learn more about the facility design and regulatory compliance required to process natural health products,” said Dennis.

Registration for the workshop is $175 per person for Ag-West Bio Inc. members, and $200 per person for non-members. “The investment could lead to something much bigger and better for agricultural producers, entrepreneurs or public policymakers who take part,” she added.

More information on the NHP workshop can be found on the Events Calendar on the Ag-West Bio Inc. website, at www.agwest.sk.ca.

For more information, contact:
Krista Dennis, Director of Communications
Ag-West Bio Inc.
Phone: (306) 668-2656
Website: www.agwest.sk.ca