Growing interest in greenhouse and vegetable sectors

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Hundreds of producers will converge on TCU Place in Saskatoon on November 10-12 for the 2006 Saskatchewan Greenhouse and Vegetable Growers Conference.

The conference is a joint project of the Saskatchewan Greenhouse Growers Association and the Saskatchewan Vegetable Growers Association.

Glen Sweetman, Greenhouse and Nursery Crops Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF), says the focus in on education for people in the industry and those who may want to get into the business.

“We’re bringing the world to our growers,” said Sweetman. “We have a world-class line-up of speakers, all of whom are leaders in their respective fields.”

The 19 speakers include the likes of Pam Wasson, the Vice President of Marketing for North America’s largest nursery; Ian Baldwin, a garden consultant renowned across North America; and Dr. Alan Hammer, a former Perdue University professor.

Discussion will include topics such as value chains and unusual or rare insects that endanger greenhouse vegetables. However, the focus is not just on production. There are a number of sessions on the sales and advertising aspects of the business.

The conference begins with workshops on the evening of November 10, and concludes on November 12. It is expected to draw well over 250 participants.

“The conference has a really high industry attendance,” said Sweetman. “One of the reasons is because the conference is a terrific value for its cost. The registration not only includes the speakers, but a trade show, two luncheons and a banquet. Most other shows of this nature only include the speakers for the same price.”

Joan Merrill, a vegetable producer with Robertson Valley Farms near Saskatoon, says the chance to network with other producers is extremely valuable.

“When you are a vegetable grower in Saskatchewan, there are not a lot of precedents to look to or rely on. So clearly, this is an opportunity to talk to people about what kinds of things they are inventing, as well as growing techniques,” said Merrill.

Sweetman says there are a lot of prospects for expansion for greenhouse operators and vegetable growers in this province.

“The industry represents a good opportunity for direct marketing in a rural situation as well as in the cities,” he noted. “For greenhouses, there are still growth opportunities in a number of areas of Saskatchewan. We have areas of specialization, such as vegetable and herb production, where the potential is not even close to being tapped yet. They are all growing. They are all developing. They are all maturing. It’s all in motion.”

Merrill agrees.

“Interest in farm diversification is growing. Direct-selling and vegetable marketing are just two of those diversification opportunities that more farmers could pick up on,” she said.

More information about the conference and details about registration can be found on the SAF website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca/skgreenhouse/calendar.asp.

For more information, contact:

Glen Sweetman, Greenhouse and Nursery Crops Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 787-6606

Calvin Massier
Conference Co-ordinator
Phone: (306) 789-1438