Revised  January  2013    
Submitted  by:      
       
 
 
The  Proponent  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5  
The  Land  ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5  
Goal  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7  
Capital   Investment  and  Financial  Summary  ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28  
Management  skil ls/qualifications  of  proponent  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29  
Liabil ity  Insurance  Requirements  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  29  
Contingency  plan  ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30  
 
  OPERATIONS  
Field  development  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33  
Other  operational  considerations   .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43  
Fisheries  and  wetlands  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46  
Resource  uses  values  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47  
Forest  management  activities  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47  
Aboriginal  traditional   territories  and  land  uses  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48  
  POTENTIAL  EFFECTS  
Land  use  and  resource  management  considerations  .. . . . . . . . . . . . .  49  
Social,  cultural  and  economic  considerations  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  50  
Aboriginal  considerations  .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51  
 
Mitigating  Potential  Effects  to  land  use  and  resource  management  55  
Mitigating  Potential  Effects   to  social,  cultural,  and  economic    57  
Mitigating  Potential  Effects   to  Aboriginal  considerations  .. . . . . .  58  
  PUBLIC  CONSULTATION  
Planned  consultation  ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61  
Project  evaluation  ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61  
  APPLICABLE  POLICIES  &  APPROVALS  
Strategic  Framework  ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  62  
  APPENDICES  
Appendix  B:  Integrated  Pest  Management  Plan  ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  70  
Appendix  C:  Environm  
       
 
 
    EXECUTIVE  SUMMARY  
THE  PROJECT  
The   Northeast   Superior   Forest   Community   (NSFC)   in   partnership   with   the   Northeast   Superior  Regional  Chiefs  Forum  has  been  building  a  new  and  exciting   industry   for   the   region.     The   development   of   the   Chapleau-­Sultan   Wild   Blueberry   Farm   has   been   a   concept   for   the   economic   diversification   of   Chapleau   area,   as   well   as   the   wider   Northeast   Superior   region   that   has   been   under   development   for   more   than   8   years.     With  primary  concepts  and  partnerships  developed  through  the  efforts  of  the  Chapleau   Regional   Development   Corporation,   the   NSFC   has   been   working   diligently   on   turning   this  idea  into  reality.  
We   have   seen   the   tremendous   opportunities   that   emerge   with   the   consideration   of   maximizing   our   forest   resources   and   using   them   in   a   new  way.     The   Chapleau-­Sultan   Wild   Blueberry   Farm   is   the   first   opportunity   that   puts   planning   into   action.     We   all   recognize  that  by  bringing  new  users  of  forest  resources  into  the  economy  brings  with  it   the  opportunity   to  help  support  our  existing   industry  partners  and   to  ensure   that  our   communities   in   the   Northeast   Superior   continue   to   grow   and   thrive.     We   need   to   continue  to  look  for  economic  opportunities  that  are  rooted  in  assets  our  area  possesses    like  the  blueberry.  
Over  the  past  several  years  we  have  been  working  to  ensure  this  industry  is  one  that  can   work  for  our  area,  is  financially  viable,  and  is  sustainable  for  the  long  term.  We  knew  at   the  onset  that  there  are  very  dramatic  upfront  development  costs  associated  with  this   type   of   farm,   as   well   as   a   gap   of   up   to   7   years   between   site   development   and   the   generation  of  a   full  crop.    These  were  barriers  that  were   identified  early,  and  stressed   the   importance   of   undertaking   our   initiative   with   very   intensive,   thorough   planning   process  and  taking  the  time  we  need  to  make  sure  we  are  developing  a  concept  that  can   work.      
 
       
 
 
Once   initial   plans  were   identified   as   possible,   this  was   followed  by   a   Site   Assessment   study,  which  was  tasked  with  looking  within  the  region  to  find  the  best  quality  land  for   the  development  of  blueberry  farms.  Of  the  properties   identified,  the  Sultan  flats  area   near  Chapleau  ranked  as  our  largest  quantity  and  highest  quality  of  soil.    This  property   has  a  great  proximity   to   the  highway,  as  well   as   the   road  network  necessary   to  make   this  a  prime  candidate  for  blueberry  farming.        With  the  support  of  Tembec  Inc. mill   is   fed   through   fibre   that   comes   from   this   portion   of   the   forest,   we   have  moved   forward  with  a  clear  and  concise  project  plan  for  the  Sultan  area,  as  well  as  developed  a   business  plan  to  make  sure  we  are  fully  prepared  for  this  undertaking.  
THE  PROPONENT  
The   Northeast   Superior   Forest   Community   is   a   not-­for-­profit   economic   development   corporation  that  has  been  operating  in  the  Chapleau  region  for  the  past  six  years.    Our   organization   represents   a   partnership   between   the   communities   of   Chapleau,   White   River,  Wawa,   Dubreuilville,   Hornepayne   and  Manitouwadge,   as  well   as   the  Northeast   Superior   Regional   Chiefs   Forum.   NSFC   has   the   mandate   of   seeking   out   ways   of   diversifying   the   regional   forest   based   economy   as   a   response   to   the   forest   sector   downturn  see  over  the  past  decade.  One  of  our  key  areas  of  exploration  is  the  field  of   Non   Traditional   Forest   Resources     with   the   strategy   of   finding   new   and   innovative   economic  drives  for  economies  that  come  from  our  forest  resources.  
THE  LAND    
We  have  requested  the  issuance  of  a  land  use  permit  (LUP)  in  order  to  establish  interim   tenure  over  the  land  in  question  and  to  allow  us  to  begin  the  development  process.    In   order   to   support   this   process   we   have   developed   this   detailed   project   proposal   as   requested   by   The  Ministry   of   Natural   Resources.   It   is   the   responsibility   of  MNR,   and   other   relevant   provincial   ministries   and   agencies   to   review   the   proposal   in   order   to   ensure   consistency   with   applicable   legislation   and   policy   direction.   This   has   been   undertaken,  the  project  is  now  required  to  undertake  pubic  and  Aboriginal  consultation  
Projects,  in  order  for  a  disposition  of  lands  to  occur.        
       
 
 
HE   CHAPLEAU-­SULTAN   SITE   PRESENTS   THE   HIGHEST   POTENTIAL   FOR   DEVELOPMENT   DUE   TO   THE   HOMOGENEITY   OF   THE   LAND,   THE   LARGE   SITE   CAPACITY,   ACCESSIBILITY,   HIGH   NATURAL   DENSITY   FOUND   ON   SITE,   SANDY   SOILS   AND   PROXIMITY   TO   A   SUPPORTING   COMMUNITY.     THIS   SITE   IS   CONSIDERED   THE   JEWEL   IN   THE   CROWN     THE   CHAPLEAU-­SULTAN   SITE   CAN   PROVIDE   SOME   OF   THE   BEST   LANDS   FOR   WILD   BLUEBERRY   DEVELOPMENT   IN  ONTARIO  AND  EVEN  CANADA   (NORTHEAST  SUPERIOR  FOREST  COMMUNITY  WILD  BLUEBERRY  FIELD  ASSESSMENT  REPORT  
 2011,  LEVEL  PLAINS  ENTERPRISES  
THE  DEVELOPMENT  STRATEGY  
We  are  planning  for  5  phases  of  development,  with  a  100+  hectares  of  land  harvested   and  developed  each   year,   in   an  effort   to  ensure   costs   and  workload  are  manageable.   With  a  10-­year  development   strategy   in  place,   resources  approved  and  allocated,   this   project  is  ready  to  move  into  active  development  with  the  support  of  Tembec,  our  local   industry  partner.      
The  project  plan  and  proposal  has  taken  into  consideration  the  commitment  of  the  NSFC   and   NSRCF   to   sustainable,   environmentally   conscious   development.   We   have   considered  mitigation  strategies  for  bears,  and  birds,  as  well  as  impacts  on  water  shed,   environment   and   existing   land   users.   It   has   become   a   clear   priority   that   this   development  will  move  forward  as  an  enhancement  to  the  daily  way  of  life  of  residents,   as  well  as  a  new  economic  driver  for  the  region.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
GOAL  
To   develop   and   establish   the   Chapleau-­Sultan  Wild   Blueberry   Farm   as   a   world   class   production  centre  for  wild  blueberries.  
PROJECT  PROPONENT      
The  Northeast  Superior  Forest  Community  (NSFC)  is  the  project  proponent.  The  NSFC  is   a  not   for  profit,   forest   sector  based,   economic  development  organization.       The  NSFC   has  a  board  of  directors  and  a  general  manager  directing  project  management  staff.    As   an   organization   the   NSFC   is   advocating   and   working   towards   the   development   of   blueberry   farms   within   the   NSFC   region   as   a   way   to   diversify   and   reinvigorate   the   regional  economy.  
NSFC  has  secured  funding  to  cover  the  administrative  efforts  and  costs  associated  with   establishing  a  tenure  agreement  with  the  Crown.    Establishing  tenure  on  the  proposed   areas  for  development  on  Crown   land   is  the  first  step  towards  successfully  developing   and  sustaining  a  commercial  blueberry  business.    The  long-­term  goal  is  to  create  a  viable   commercial  blueberry  development  capable  of  attracting  local  entrepreneurs  having  the   financial  resources  and  business  know-­how  to  invest  in  a  long-­term  agricultural  venture   with  low  or  no  payback  for  several  years.  
Once   tenure   is   established,   investors   will   be   sought   to   invest   in   or   take   over   the   development  of  the  farms  as  they  are  established.    If  this  does  not  occur,  the  NSFC  will   continue  to  leverage  funds  to  contribute  to  the  substantial  upfront  development  costs   for  the  wild  blueberry  fields.    
Once   the   Chapleau-­Sultan   Wild   Blueberry   Farm   is   more   established,   NSFC   would   continue  to  work  towards   facilitating  the  transfer  of  the    business  operation  to  a   local   entrepreneur  or  a  regional  Non  Timber  Forest  Products  Cooperative.  
FOUNDATION  
       
 
 
Although   the   wild   Lowbush   Blueberry   is   traditionally   harvested   and   sold   locally   on   a   small   scale   in  Northern  Ontario,   the   region   has   yet   to   initiate   commercial   production   operations   that   have   provided   established   long-­term   economic   benefits   to   several   Canadian  provinces.    Recognizing  this  opportunity,  NSFC  launched  an  investigation  into   potential   crop   production   areas   across   the   region   that   exhibit   key   characteristics   for   managed   wild   Lowbush   Blueberry   production.     The   Chapleau   region   sites   were   identified  as  a  priority  development  area  in  establishing  the  Northeast  Superior  Region   as  a  globally  competitive  wild  blueberry  producer.  
A   SITE   ASSESSMENT   CONDUCTED   BY   PETER   BURGESS   OF   AGRAPOINT   SUGGESTED   THAT   WITH   PROPER  
DEVELOPMENT,   MAINTENANCE   AND   MARKETING   STRATEGIES,   THE   CHAPLEAU,   SULTAN   SITE   COULD   BECOME   A  
WORLD   CLASS   PRODUCTION   CENTRE   OF   WILD   BLUEBERRIES   THAT   COULD   COMPETE   WITH   OTHER   AREA   OF  
CANADA,  INCLUDING  NOVA  SCOTIA  AND  QUEBEC.  1      
Combining   the   natural   environment   features   with   sound   development   planning,   operation  and  marketing  strategies,  this  area  has  the  potential  to  become  a  viable  world   class   wild   blueberry   production   centre   that   could   compete   with   other   Canadian   provinces.        
Once  the  Chapleau-­Sultan  Wild  Blueberry  Farm  is  established,  additional  sites  across  the   region   could   be   developed.     Development   of   these   smaller   sites   would   be   facilitated   within  the  supportive  framework  of  an  established  regional  industry.  
Realizing  this  vision  requires  the  participation  and  support  of  organizations,  people  and   businesses   willing   and   able   to   invest   in   growing   operations.     The   guidance   of   government   and   industry   experts   will   be   instrumental   in   driving   the   early   stages   of   development.     The   imagination   of   entrepreneurs   capable   of   developing   associated     value-­added  business  will   play   a   vital   role   in   expanding   the  economic  potential   of   the   resource  once  the  farm  is  in  production.  
The   NSFC   is   working   in   partnership   with   Level   Plains   Enterprises   Inc.,   a  Wawa   based   company   that   established   a   successful  wild   blueberry   venture   in  Wawa   in   2008.    Our   goal  is  to  increase  the  economic  potential  of  our  region  through  economies  of  scale  and   shared  expertise.  
NSFC  will   work  with   government   agencies,   First   Nations   and   Aboriginal   communities,   and   the   public   to   develop   the   project   sustainably   and   improve   regional   prosperity.    
       
 
 
Given   the   regional   economic   climate,   our   hope   is   that   the   Crown   will   recognize   the   potential  of  this  industry  and  afford  it  priority  for  development  within  the  NSFC  region.  
DISPOSITION  REQUEST  
Expectations   regarding   the   use   of   the   natural   resource   base:    The  NSFC   is   requesting  a  disposition  of  lands  in  the  Chapleau  area  for  agricultural  production  of  wild   Lowbush  blueberries.    A   land  disposition  would  allow  NSFC   to  move   forward  with   the   planning   and   development   necessary   to   bring   a   commercial   blueberry   farm   into   production  over  the  next  several  years.        
REQUEST :   551   HECTARES   OF   CROWN   LAND   WITH   THE   NSFC   AS   THE   PROPONENT;   NSFC   IS   PROPOSING  THAT  THE  AREA  BE  DIVIDED  INTO  5  PARCELS.  
L ICENCES  &  PERMITS :   LAND  USE  PERMITS  -­  LEASE  AGREEMENTS  -­  FOREST  RESOURCE  LICENSE  (SEE  DETAIL   BELOW.)  
START  OF  TENURE :   2012  
Access   to   existing   resources:    Access   to  a   secure   land  base   is  paramount   to   the   ely  owned  land,  this  means  securing  
Crown   land   suitable   for   blueberry   farming.     The   type   of   tenure   and   the   terms   of   the   tenure  agreement  must  be  determined  with  consideration  for  the  security,   investment   and  financing  requirements  for  the  project.      
In   consultation   with   the   Chapleau   Ministry   of   Natural   Resources   (MNR)   it   was   determined  that  land  use  permits  (LUP)  would  be  the  appropriate  form  of  tenure  for  the   initial   stages   of   project   development.     For   the   proposed   undertaking,   LUPs   could   be   issued  to  coincide  with  the  scheduled  development  of  each  parcel.      
A  land  use  permit  may  be  issued  by  the  Crown  for  a  term  up  to  10  years;  rental  fees  are   paid  yearly,  in  addition  to  a  one-­time  administration  fee.    Land  use  permits  would  also   allow   development   to   proceed   while   ensuring   lower   rental   fees   during   the   capital   intensive   start-­up   period.     The   LUPs   provide   an   interim   form   of   tenure   and   could   be   converted   into   lease   agreements   in   the   future   if   necessary.   To   secure   appropriate   financing   for   development   and   continued   operation   of   a   commercial   blueberry   farm,   future  lease  agreements  remain  the  long  term  objective.    These  can  be  implemented  as   the  parcels  are  established,  and  as  their  value  increases  through  improvements  and  the   creation  of  value  added  business  ventures.      
       
 
 
Development  Projects  (RSFDP  Class  EA).    A  successful  Class  EA  outcome  affords  projects   on  Crown  land  to  proceed  within  5  years  of  approval.  
NSFC  will  have  to  secure  a  Forest  Resource  Licence  and  Approval  to  Commence  Cutting   Operations,  issued  under  sections  27(1)  or  29(2)  &  47,  and  44(1)  under  the  Crown  Forest   Sustainability  Act  prior  to  the  harvest  of  any  merchantable  trees  on  Crown  land.    NSFC  is   committed   to   working   with   Tembec   to   ensure   that   the   proposed   project   does   not   interfere   with   forestry   operations   and   affords   them   the   opportunity   to   harvest   merchantable  timber  from  the  project  area.       Owing  to  the  significant  size  of  the  LUP,  MNR  has  requested  that  the  boundaries  of  each   parcel   be   clearly   marked   with   flagging   tape   and   all   corners   be   marked   more   permanently.  Should  it  be  determined  that  a  lease  agreement  is  required,  NSFC  will  be   required   to   undertake   a   legal   survey   of   the   parcels.   The   survey   must   be   completed   under  the  requirements  established  by  the  Crown  and  at  the  expense  of  the  proponent.       Marking  of  boundaries,   legal   surveys  and  the  required  Forest  Resource  Licence  will  be   obtained  subsequent  to  the  successful  outcome  of  the  environmental  assessment.     Any  transfers  of  tenure  will  be  conditional  on  the  requirement  to  implement  activities  as   approved  in  the  project  plan  and  will  be  subject  to  approval  by  Chapleau  District  office   of  the  Ministry  of  Natural  Resources.    Transferees  may  be  required  to  submit  a  business   plan  to  MNR.  
Proposed   fee   structure :     Reasonable   rates   for   Land   use   permits   and/or   lease   agreements  are  vital  to  allow  the  fledgling  industry  to  start  strong  and  continue  to  grow.      
(PL   2.03.01)   seek   to   achieve   a   fair   return   for   public   land   through   the   application   of   market  value.    The  MNR   is  presently  studying  fair  market  value   for  the  proposed  area   given  the  absence  of  precedent  for  a  wild  blueberry  operation  on  provincial  Crown  land.    
 
 
 
The   proposed   project   area   is   forested   Crown   land   located   along   both   the   north   and   south  sides  of  Highway  667,  approximately  35  km  southeast  of  Chapleau   in  the  Sultan   Flats.     The   land   is   located  within   a   General   Use   Area   (G1770)   described   as   a   general   resource  extraction  and  management   area  with   the   intent  of   expansion  of   the   forest,   mining   and   trapping   sectors.     The   land   use   policy   accommodates   dispositions   for   agricultural  purposes.  A  total  of  five  parcels  of  land  are  proposed  for  development  over   a  5  year  period.    See  Appendix  D  for  maps  showing  the  location  of  the  proposed  area.    
 
PROPOSED  AREA-­  CONSIDERATIONS  
Of   the   areas   identified   in   The  Northeast   Superior   Forest   Community   Corporation  Wild   Blueberry   Field  Assessment  Report   -­   2011,   the  Chapleau   sites   in   the   Sultan   Flats  were   recommended  as  the  priority  for  development  based  on  site  characteristics.  The  quality   of   land   is   excellent   with   sandy   soils,   optimal   topography,   geology   and   climate,   an   abundant  natural  density  of  wild  blueberry  plants,  as  well  as  proximity  to  communities   and  transportation  networks.1      
NSFC  has  presented  a  development  proposal  to  the  MNR  for  an  assemblage  of  sites   in   proximity  to  one  another,  totaling  551  hectares  within  the  Sultan  Flats.    The  combined   project  area  would  create  enormous  capacity  for  commercial  wild  blueberry  production.    
LAND   CAPACITY   IS   THE   QUANTITY   OF   SUITABLE   AREA   THAT   CAN   SUPPORT   THE   PRODUCTION   OF   WILD  
BLUEBERRIES.     LARGER   SITES   ARE   FAVOURED   OVER   SMALLER   SITES   AS   MORE   AVAILABLE   AREA   WILL   PRODUCE  
HIGHER  YIELDS  COMPENSATING  ANY  INPUT  COSTS  REQUIRED  TO  DEVELOP,  MANAGE  AND  HARVEST  THE  SITE.2  
       
 
 
NSFC  recognizes  that  detailed  planning  and  consultation  is  required  with  the  MNR,  First   Nation  and  Aboriginal  communities,  and  the  public  to  better  understand  the  suitability   of  this  request.    NSFC  recognizes  that  preliminary  boundaries  are  subject  to  change  to   accommodate   environmental,   regulatory,   Aboriginal   or   public   concerns   and   values.   NSFC   remains   flexible   in   the   determination   of   final   boundaries   for   the   proposed   development,   and   is   able   to   give   consideration   to   alternatives   for   developing   the   proposed  blueberry  farm,  including:  
Revising   proposed   area   boundaries   while   giving   consideration   to   site   capacity   being  a  key  attribute  of  this  proposal  (target  551  ha)  
Other  suitable  sites  in  proximity  to  the  preferred  location  
Netting  down  the  proposed  development  area  would  not  result  in  the  dismissal  of  this   venture  as  no  longer  viable  however  a  smaller  project  area  would  require  an  extended   period  to  recover  project  start-­up  costs  resulting  in  fixed  costs  being  spread  over  fewer   producing   hectares.     Variable   development   costs   would   decrease   proportionally   with   hectares  developed  as  would  associated  future  revenues.  
According   to   the   Northeast   Superior   Forest   Community   Corporation   Wild   Blueberry   Field   Assessment   Report;   a   minimum   land   capacity   of   200   ha   is   required   for   wild  
world  class  production  centre,  maximizing  the  area  to  be  developed  will  be  instrumental   to  this  projects  success.    Given  this  NSFC  would  target  a  final  area  of  500  hectares  once   detailed  planning  has  been  completed.  
THE  CHAPLEAU-­SULTAN  SITE  PRESENTS  THE  HIGHEST  POTENTIAL  FOR  DEVELOPMENT  DUE  TO  THE  HOMOGENEITY  
OF   THE   LAND,   THE   LARGE   SITE   CAPACITY   (AREA),   ACCESSIBILITY,   HIGH   NATURAL   DENSITIES   FOUND   ON   SITE,   SANDY   SOILS   AND   PROXIMITY   TO   A   SUPPORTING   COMMUNITY.     THIS   SITE   IS   CONSIDERED   THE   "JEWEL   IN   THE  
CROWN".     THE   CHAPLEAU-­SULTAN   SITE   CAN   PROVIDE   SOME   OF   THE   BEST   LANDS   FOR   WILDS   BLUEBERRY  
DEVELOPMENT  IN  ONTARIO  AND  EVEN  CANADA.  1    
APPLICATION  APPROVAL  PROCESS  
       
 
 
project,   consideration   of   its   potential   environmental   effects,   and   a   prescribed   evaluation   and   consultation   process.     Because   of   concerns   regarding   the   natural,   cultural   and   socio-­economic   affects   of   this   undertaking,   an   opportunity   must   be   provided   for   regulatory   agencies,   the   public,   Aboriginal   and   First  Nation   communities   and  other  interested  parties  to  review  and  comment  on  this  project  proposal.  
PROPOSED  TIME  FRAMES  
Below  is  a  description  of  proposed  time  frames  within  the  project  planning  and  approval   process.    This  process  and  schedule  is  subject  to  change  depending  on  MNRs  review  of   the  proposal  and  the  level  of  interest  that  may  arise.  
Project  Proposal  Submission        November  2012   Project  Plan  Review  &  Categorization    December  2012   Project  Proposal  revised        December  2012     Public  Consultation  begins        January  2013   Obtaining  Applicable  Licenses  or  Permits    Following  successful  EA  decision     Project  Implementation  begins      as  soon  as  permitting  is  secured    
MILESTONES  
Completion   of   project   proposal :  A  preliminary  Project  Proposal  was  provided  to   the  Ministry  of  Natural  Resources  in  January  2012.    Other  ministries   including  Ministry   of   the   Environment,   Ontario  Ministry   Agriculture,   Food,   and   Rural   Affairs,  Ministry   of   Aboriginal   Affairs   and   the   Ministry   of   Northern   Development   and   Mines   were   subsequently  forwarded  a  copy  of  the  draft  project  proposal  for  comment.    Subsequent   revisions  were  made  to  the  Project  Proposal  document  through  the  course  of  the  year,   under  the  guidance  of  the  Ministry  of  Natural  Resources.    
Project   Plan   Review   and   Categorization:     The   Ministry   of   Natural   Resources   reviewed   the   Project   Proposal,   categorized   it   as   a   B   undertaking,   and   provided   recommendations  on  consultation  and  next  steps  according  to  the  requirements  of  the   RSFDP   Class   EA.   There   may   be   additional   requirements   for   revisions   to   the   Project   Proposal   as   a   result   of   the   formal   public   comment   period.   Proposed   timeframes  may   require  adjustment  as  this  proposal  moves  through  the  approvals  process.      
       
 
 
Obtaining   regulatory   approvals   and   permits:    Necessary   licenses  and  permits   will   be   required   prior   to   project   initiation.   No   work   will   begin   on   the   project   until   appropriate  permits  have  been  obtained.  The  MNR  will  determine  all  required  approvals   and  NSFC  will  complete  all  surveys,  licence  and  permitting  applications  subsequent  to  a   favourable  environmental  assessment  outcome.    
Construction  schedule  &  start -­up  date:    Operational  activities  are  anticipated  to   begin  in  2013.    The  construction  schedule  is  dependent  on  the  timing  for  the  completion   of  the  RSFDP  Class  EA  for  this  undertaking.    Further  discussion  on  operational  activities   and  proposed  development  schedules  is  provided  in  the  Operations  section.    
       
 
 
DEVELOPMENT  MODELS  
There   are   two   agricultural   models   for   farming   wild   blueberries   used   in   Canada:   the   traditional   model   which   consists   of   fields   that   are   developed   fully   for   blueberry   cultivation  and  an  agroforestry  model  which  develops  fields  to  provide  both  blueberry   cultivation  and  managed  timber.      
The  traditional  approach  is  common  in  the  Atlantic  provinces  where  blueberry  farms  are   often  developed   in   areas   that  have  been   clear   cut,   recently  burned  or   are   considered   abandoned   farmland.     The   agroforestry  model   has   been   successfully   implemented   in  
.   Jean  area  where   commercial   blueberry  operations   are  established   in   forested  areas.    Detailed  information  on  the  agroforestry  model  is  provided  in  Appendix   C.      
Organic  production  models  are  presently  most  suited  to  small  scale  application.  Much  of   the  organic  production  industry  is  based  on  small  operations  or  from  berries  harvested   from  the  wild.  
DEVELOPMENT  ALTERNATIVES  
Below   is   an   outline   of   options   that   NSFC   has   considered   to   be   economically   viable   alternatives  for  the  proposed  undertaking.  
Alternatives:  
-­ 551  hectares  using  the  traditional  model  into  full  blueberry  fields  
2. Develop   project   area   using   both   the   traditional   model   and   the   agroforestry   model  
-­ 434  hectares  using  the  traditional  model  into  full  blueberry  fields  
       
 
 
PREFERRED  ALTERNATIVE    
Alternative   #2  was   determined   to   be   preferred  option   for   development .     This  alternative  applies  the  traditional  model  at  the  outset  to  develop  a  large  amount  of   the   identified   area.     It   also   establishes   an   agroforestry   pilot   project   on   a   designated   portion  of   the  area  during   successive   field  development.     The   site  plan   in  Appendix  D   shows  where  the  two  models  are  proposed.  
Rationale:     The   traditional   development   model   simplifies   the   establishment   and   management  of   the   fields   ensuring   that   the  early   years   of   the  project   are   focused  on   successfully  establishing  the  farm  and  launching  the  business.    
GIVEN   THAT   BLUEBERRIES   ARE   WORTH   APPROXIMATELY   $1.00/KG   TO   FARMERS,   THE   ANNUAL   OUTPUT   OF   MANAGED   FIELDS   RANGES   FROM   $3360   TO   $8967/HA,   WHICH   IS   FAR   SUPERIOR   TO   THE   AVERAGE   TIMBER  
GROWTH  OF  CANADA S  FORESTS  OF  1.59  M3  /HA/YEAR  (LOWE  ET  AL.  1996)  WITH  AN  APPROXIMATE  VALUE  OF  
$100/HA/YEAR.1  
 
This   alternative   also   values   the   need   to   work   cooperatively   over   the   long-­term   with   existing  industry  in  later  years  by  refocusing  on  managing  blueberries  and  forests  on  the   same  land  base.    An  agroforestry  pilot  project  could  help  to  establish  a  future  strategy   for   increasing   the   number   of   blueberry   operations   on   Crown   land   and   expanding   the   industry  within  the  region.  
In   general,   once   the   trees   have   been   removed   from   the   identified   production   area,   development   and  management   proceeds   in   the   same  way   regardless   of  whether   you   are  working  entire  fields  or  strips  within  a  field.    See  the  Operational  Activities  Section   for   additional   information   on   how   the   development   and   management   of   the   fields   would  occur.  
Under  this  alternative,  organic  production  may  be  viable  over  the  long  term  in  projects   that   that   include   development   in   proximity   to   sensitive   features   (i.e.   water   bodies).     These   areas   could   be   earmarked   as   future   organic   production   zones   of   the   operation  
                                                                                                            1  
 
and   developed   accordingly.     Organic   production   could   provide   product   diversification   opportunities  once  the  farm  is  well  established.  
Implementing   the   agroforestry   pilot   project   as   the   last   phase   of   development   allows   time  for  NSFC  and  its  partners  to  explore  the  net  effects  of  an  agroforestry  approach  on   the  proposed  commercial  blueberry  business  as  well  as   on  the  management  of  Crown   timber.     It  also  allows  for  resource  management  planning  under  this  model   in  addition   to  examining  implications  on  associated  forest  certification.    See  Appendix  C  for  detailed   discussion  of  agroforestry  objectives  and  methodology.    
DEVELOPMENT  TIMELINE    
Given   the   total   area   (551   hectares),   the   project   proposes   development   in   a   phased   approach  spanning  over  several  years.    Changing  forested  land  into  blueberry  producing   land  takes  approximately  5-­6  years  once  field  development  begins.    This   includes  time   for   removing   the   overstory   of   trees,   allowing   stumps   to   decay   before   preparing   the   fields,  a  growing  season,  and  then  a  flowering  and  harvest  season.  
       
 
 
 
       
 
 
PRE  FEASIBILITY  STUDY  
NSFC  Commercial  Blueberry  Production  Business  Plan  20081  was  developed   as  a  feasibility  study  for  this  project.    It  analyses  the  viability  of  a  commercial  blueberry   production   in   the   Northeast   Superior   region.     This   feasibility   study   formed   the   foundation   and   template   for   business   planning   and   market   analyses   required   for   development  of  specific  blueberry  production  projects  throughout  the  region.  
Why   wild   blueberries?     The   Lowbush   Blueberry   is   a   native   plant.     It   flourishes   locally   in   well-­drained,   acidic   soils   that   are   low   in   fertility   and   unsuitable   for   other   agricultural  purposes.    There  is  an  existing  commercial  blueberry  industry  in  Canada  in   which  demand  far  exceeds  supply.    With  Ontario  being  significantly  underdeveloped  in   this  industry,  the  success  of  this  commercial  blueberry  project  is  highly  feasible.      
Chapleau   shares   similar   climate,   geology,   soil,   and   vegetation   characteristics  with   the   Atlantic  Canada  and  Quebec   locations  where  the  wild  Lowbush  Blueberry   industry   is  a   major   economic   contributor.     In   these  areas,   agricultural  management   techniques  are   being  used  to  dramatically  increase  yields  from  the  native  crop  of  wild  blueberries;  this   managed  crop  is  marketed  as  a  wild  blueberry  crop.      
There   is   no   defined   life   span   for   an   established   wild   blueberry   field if   properly   managed,   a   field   could   continue   to   produce   indefinitely.   Considering   the   capacity   to   produce   wild   blueberries   indefinitely,   the   management,   harvesting   and   processing   activities  will  provide  employment  opportunities  that  will  continually  be  available  on  an   annual  basis.2  
Drawing  from  the  experience  and  success  of  established  operations  NSFC  can  apply  the   lessons  learned  and  best  practices  for  the  Chapleau  development  and  operations.      
Industry  Overview:    The  global  wild  blueberry  industry  is  confined  to  eastern  North   America,  where  the  plant  is  part  of  the  native  vegetation.  Currently  wild  blueberries  are   mainly   grown   in   Quebec,   Nova   Scotia,   New   Brunswick,   Prince   Edward   Island   and   Newfoundland   on   both   private   and   Crown   lands.     About   95%   of   total   "low-­bush"   production  (based  on  2003  data)  was  marketed  as  processed  (frozen).  1  
                                                                                                            1  The  Northeast  Superior  Forest  Community  Commercial  Blueberry  Production  Business  Plan  2008  
2  Level  Plains  Business  Plan  January  2010  
       
 
 
 
The  market  for  wild  blueberries :    With  their  reputation  as  a  healthy  food  choice,   blueberries   have   been   a   growing   part   of   years.     The   growth  may   be   due   in   part   to   increased   demand   for   this   antioxidant-­rich   fruit.    While  overall  the  fruit   industry  is  becoming  more  competitive,  both  domestic  and   global  markets  are  still   increasing  as  the  benefits  of  eating  blueberries  become  widely   known.  
The  table  below  shows  the  status  of  markets  for  wild  blueberries.    
Canada's  Exports  of  Wild  Blueberries  to  All  Countries  ($CAD)
2007 2008 2009 2010 Growth
wild  blueberries  -­  fresh 7,641,673 12,720,465 5,863,984 8,060,784 5.50%
wild  blueberries  -­  processed 183,889,813 159,016,984 120,859,657 122,248,533 -­33.50%
Canada's  Exports  of  Wild  Blueberries  to  All  Countries  (Quantity,KGM)
2007 2008 2009 2010 Growth
wild  blueberries  -­  fresh 4,219,339 7,210,348 4,939,028 6,693,712 58.60%
wild  blueberries  -­  processed 36,933,934 38,164,143 35,980,919 43,560,965 17.90%
Canada's  Top  10  Blueberry  Markets  ($CAD) includes  wild  and  cultivated  blueberries
Country 2007 2008 2009 2010 Growth
TOTAL: 323,707,933 301,309,121 236,365,651 245,153,119 -­24.30%
United  States 214,471,801 197,721,842 152,329,458 151,431,165 -­29.40%
Germany 17,201,009 18,410,272 25,149,536 20,923,835 21.60%
Japan 33,600,297 28,857,222 18,997,067 21,999,062 -­34.50%
Netherlands 7,056,938 11,358,814 6,992,744 11,089,010 57.10%
France 7,702,150 7,911,740 6,866,362 6,048,126 -­21.50%
China 9,095,513 5,773,458 4,522,775 6,905,515 -­24.10%
United  Kingdom 15,912,021 16,027,928 8,065,032 6,105,329 -­61.60%
Belgium 7,636,864 4,321,906 4,981,148 5,273,651 -­30.90%
Australia 5,298,950 4,041,201 3,325,022 5,409,425 2.10%
South  Korea 53,655 522,787 295,944 2,990,589 5473.70%  
These  statistics  on  blueberry  markets  are  complete  through  year  end  2010.2  
                                                                                                            1  http://www4.agr.gc.ca  
 
Market   Channels:     A   well   defined   marketing   system   has   evolved   in   blueberry   producing   areas   for   getting   the   crop   from   the   field   to   the   end   user.     These   market   channels  involve  the  following1:  
Growers  grow  and  harvests  blueberries.  A  grower  may  or  may  not  be  a  buyer  or   processor.    
Buyers  buy  blueberries  from  the  grower  and  sells  to  the  processor.  The  buyer  is   usually,  but  not  necessarily,  a  grower  himself.    
Processors   buy   blueberries   from   the   buyer   or   directly   from   the   grower.   The   processor   (freezes)   these   berries   at   this   plant.   They   are   then   either   resold   immediately  or  stored  and  held  for  future  sales.  Some  processors  are  also  large   growers.    
Manufacturers   buy  blueberries   (mostly   frozen  but   sometimes   fresh)   for  use   in   the  manufacturing  of  blueberry  pies,  tarts,  muffins,  etc.,  or  other  manufactured   products.    
Customers  of  the  blueberry  growing  industry  include  processors,  food  wholesalers  and   retailers,   manufacturers,   value-­added   industries,   and   consumers.     Large   quantities   of   berries   at   competitive   costs   are   required   to   supply   processors   and   value   added  
Northeast  Superior  region  in  participating  at  the  scale  required  by  this  growing  industry.      
Commercial  blueberry  products  go  well  beyond  a  fresh  product  and  can  include:  frozen,   concentrate,   puree,   dried,   sugar   infused,   and   powder.     A   wide   range   of   value-­added   products  can  also  be  produced  from  berries   including:  nutraceuticals,   liquor  and  wine,   baked  goods,  syrups,  jams,  ice  cream,  yogurt,  and  health  and  beauty  products.  
Additional   information   regarding   feasibility   and   market   analysis   are   available   in   the   NSFC  Commercial  Blueberry  Production  Business  Plan  2008.    
Key   Ingredients:   Business   Development   Vision.   The   long  term  vision   is   to  be   influential   in  creating  create  a  successful  and  thriving  blueberry  production   industry   in   the  Northeast   Superior   region.     The   vision   for   this   project   is   to  develop   and   launch   a   large  scale  mechanized  commercial  blueberry  growing  operation  in  the  Chapleau  area.  
       
 
 
Industry  analysis  shows  that  blueberry  production  on  a  commercial  scale  is  required  to   be  competitive  in  markets  other  than  the  fresh  market.    Current  hand  harvesting  in  the   wild   is   low   yield   and   high   cost,   ruling   out   a   sustainable   and   significant   entry   into   the   processing   and   other   value-­added   markets.     Thus   it   is   imperative   that   commercial   blueberry  production  is  established.    
The  value  of  a  clear  vision  is  that   it  attracts  the  kind  of  support  needed  to  nurture  the   industry.   It  also  motivates  people  to  buy-­in  throughout  the  region,  helping   to  produce   the  critical  mass  necessary  to  grow  the  industry  cooperatively  across  the  region  and  to   achieve  economies  of  scale.        
In  the  short  term,  the  business  development  strategy  will  focus  on  fresh  wild  blueberries   with   the   production   of   a   quality   controlled   fresh   product,   branded   and   shipped   to   market.    Branding  and  promotion  will  highlight  the  high  quality  and  truly  wild  Northern   Ontario  blueberry.    This  will  support  a  premium  pricing  strategy;  distribution  will  focus   on  selected  high  quality  produce  retail  outlets  and  direct-­to-­consumer  venues,  such  as   fa .    
An  existing  cold  storage  facility  in  Chapleau  may  be  used  to  set  up  a  processing  facility   that   will   start   by   processing   fresh   berries,   eventually   introduce   freezing   and   subsequently  add  a  central  processing  facility  for  Northeastern  Ontario  providing  other   distribution  access  for  other  wild  blueberry  farming  operations.  A  separate  process  will   be  undertaken  relating  to  this  facility.  
In  the  mid-­  term,  freezing  berries  could  assist   the  development  of  smaller  scale  value-­ added  activities,  at  the  cottage  industry  level,  and  marketing  to  smaller  manufacturing   operations  (wineries,  etc.).  
In  the  future  it  will  become  viable  to  enter  into  the  larger  scale  frozen  blueberry  market   to   serve   customers   in   the   food   manufacturing   industries.     As   the   quantity   of   berries   being  produced   increases,   from  both  the  Chapleau-­Sultan  Wild  Blueberry  Farm  as  well   as   through   other   growing   activity   across   the   region,   further   local   processing   will   be   added  for  sale  of  frozen  berries  to  these  manufacturers.    Ideally,  the  centrally  processed   berries  would  also  be  shipped  back   to  NSFC  communities  who  choose   to  expand  their   blueberry  operations  to  include  value-­added  manufacturing.  
As   part   of   planning   for   long-­term   product   diversification   from   the   blueberry   farm,   is   interested   in   exploring   possibilities   of   establishing   some   form   of   organic  
       
 
 
managed   in   accordance   with   organic   certification   guidelines   for   Ontario   produce   and   would   become   a   separate   value   added   product   line.     Development   of   organic   production   would   be   through   the   same   methods   except   there   would   be   no   use   of   chemical  soil  applications.      
Key   ingredient:   economies   of   scale.     Economies  of   scale   are   very   important   in   established   commercial   blueberry   producing   areas   for   both   the   individual  
farmer  as  well  as   the   industry  as  a  whole.    This   is   referred  to  as   internal  and  external   economies  of  scale.  
With   internal   economies   the   cost   per   unit   depends   on   size   of   an   individual  firm.1   Blueberry   growers   can   reduce   the   cost   per   unit  through   operational   efficiencies   that   increase  production.  Economies  of  scale  are  achieved  because  as  production  increases,   the  cost  of  producing  each  additional  unit  falls.2  
External  economies  of   scale  occur  when  firms  benefit   from  the  whole   industry  getting   bigger.3  In  the  case  of  blueberries,  growers  benefit  from  better  infrastructure,  access  to   specialized   labour,   improved   techniques   for   production,   good   supply   networks,   large   scale  product  branding,  and  global  trade  opportunities.    
In   Nova   Scotia   there   are   1,000   growers   (with   over   33,000   acres   (13,350   ha)   in   production  and  an  average  yield  of  some  5,000  pounds  per  acre  (2025  pounds  per  ha)   fuelling   a   small   number   of   major   processing   operations.4  Economies   of   scale   permit   Nova  Scotia  growers   to  sell  blueberries  at  a   competitive  price.  They  also   facilitate   the   development   of   entire   systems   supplying   the   food   processing   industry   in   Canada   and   U.S.  and  diverse  markets  overseas.    
NSFC  will  work  to  achieve  similar  economies  of  scale   for  Northeast  Superior  Region  of   Ontario  as  a  long-­term  goal  for  business  development.    
Key   ingredients:   long   term   strategy   and   incremental   progress .     For  many   agricultural   products,   including   the   blueberry,   grand   visions   can   be   realized   through   focused,   strategic   and   incremental   actions   over   time.     In   many   instances,   the   time  
                                                                                                            1  http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/economiesofscale.asp#ixzz1UpSuFB2S  
2  http://www.investorwords.com/1653/economy_of_scale.html#ixzz1UpTBmRj4  
3  http://www.economicshelp.org/microessays/costs/economies-­scale.html  
 
involved   is   substantial     decades,   not   years.   When   improvements   are   realized   in   a   regional  industry,  year-­to-­year  over  time,  the  results  can  be  astonishing.1    
Taking  a  phased  approach  to  development  of  the  Chapleau-­Sultan  Wild  Blueberry  Farm   will  help  to  ensure  success  for  the  project.    A  slow  but  steady  rate  of  development  will   grow  local  knowledge  and  capacity  for  farm  establishment  and  management  activities.  
Key   ingredients:   partnerships.   Keeping   in  mind   long   term   goal   of   developing   a   region   wide   commercial   blueberry   industry approach   will   consider   existing   industries  and  the  challenge  of  balancing  stakeholder  interests  on  Crown  land.  
During   the   planning   and   implementation   phases,   engaging   new   partnerships   and   working  with  existing  partners  will  be  a  priority  to  both  establish  and  continue  to  grow   the  industry.    NFSC  partners  include  member  communities,  First  Nations,  Tembec,  MNR,   and  Level  Plains  Inc.    
Level   Plains   Inc.   brings   solid   experience   and   a   spirit   of   cooperation   to   both   hands   on   farm   development   as   well   as   the   vision   for   a   region   wide   blueberry   industry.     Its   principals,   Trevor   and   Tracy   Laing,   have   successfully   developed   a   blueberry   farm   in   Wawa,   and   conducted   site   assessments   across   the  NSFC   region.     Trevor   continues   to   share   his   valuable   experience   and   advice   and   is   considered   our   blueberry   expert   in   regards  to  this  project.  
SWOT  Analysis   is  a  planning  tool  that  involves  conducting  a  scan  of  the  internal  and   external  environment.    As  part  of  the  pre-­feasibility  study,   it   can  be  used  to  analyze  a  
 
       
 
 
 
 
SWOT  analysis:   Strengths  are  internal  characteristics  that  are  helpful  to  achieving   the  objective.    Strengths  can  give  the  business  an  advantage  over  others  in  the  industry.  
-­ As  the  proponent,  NSFC  has  a  business  development  vision  and  a  long  term  strategic   vision  for  the  proposed  project.  
-­ To  offset  high  costs  of  planning  and  field  development  NSFC  plans  to  obtain  funding   and  leverage  additional  dollars  making  this  project  attractive  to  investors.  
-­ Once  an  operation  is  well  established,  it  has  an  indefinite  life-­span.  
-­ The  proposed   land  has  high  density  of  the  native  Lowbush  Blueberry  suitable  for  a   more  intensive,  managed  blueberry  growing  operation.    
-­ Local   interest   in   economic   development,   diversification   and   new   business   opportunities  is  strong.  
-­ There   is   strong   technical   and   advisory   support   from   government   for   resource   use   and  economic  development  activities.    
       
 
 
-­ Wild  blueberries  are  high  in  antioxidants  which  have  many  health  benefits  including   anti-­aging   effects,   cancer   inhibiting   properties,   heart   health,   urinary   tract   health,   vision  health.1  
-­ Opportunities  for  value  added  products.    
-­ Partnerships  and  cooperation  with  other  growers  in  the  region  will  provide  external   economies  of  scale  for  industry  growth  through  marketing,  processing  and  sales.  
-­ Relative  proximity  to  large  market  for  fresh  produce  in  southern  Ontario.  
-­ Substantial  and  reliable  transportation  network  is   in  place  and  the  Chapleau-­Sultan   Wild  Blueberry  Farm  is  with  relative  proximity  to  major  markets  of  Sault  Ste  Marie,   Sudbury,   and   Toronto.   There   is   relatively   easy   access   to  US  markets   via   Sault   Ste.   Marie  and  to  international  markets  via  the  Great  Lakes  Seaway.  
SWOT  Analysis:  Weaknesses   are   internal  attributes  that  are  harmful  to  achieving   the  objective.    They  can  place  the  business  at  a  disadvantage  relative  to  others.  
-­ Fresh   blueberries   are   cla improper   handling   and   storage.     According   to   the  Ontario  Ministry   of   Agriculture,   Food   and   Rural   Affairs   (OMAFRA),   a   one-­
-­life  by  one  day.    
-­ Initial   development   costs   are   high   and   production   is   delayed  when  opening   fields   from   forests.     The   time   involved   is   substantial   and   there   is   virtually   no   income   generated  during  the  early  stages  of  developing  the  fields.      
-­ As  the  proponent,  NSFC  is  an  organization  that  is  funded  through  Natural  Resource   funding  is  on  a  yearly  basis  making  
multi-­year  projects  challenging  to  plan  and  conduct.  
-­ Inability  to  control  markets  driven  by  supply  and  demand.  
-­ Location  of  the  farm  is  farther  than  ideal  from  markets.  
-­ Crop  will  require  good  weather,  adequate  rainfall  and  abundant  pollinators  (bees)  to   produce  high  yields.  
SWOT  Analysis:   Opportunities   are  external  chances  that  are  helpful   to  achieving   the  objective;  these  have  the  potential  to  increase  sales  and  profits.  
                                                                                                            1  www.nswildblueberries.com  
 
-­ A   large   population   base  with   a   growing   appetite   for   fresh,   foods   and   high   quality   specialty   foods   and   a   significant   food   processing   industry   create   the   demand   required  for  this  new  Ontario  industry  to  succeed.    
-­ The  anti-­oxidant  properties  of  the  wild  blueberries  are  a  good  selling  feature  and  will   continue  to  create  demand  for  blueberry  products  into  the  future.  
-­ The  blueberry  production   industry   is  modest   in  size   in  Ontario,   compared   to  Nova   Scotia  and  Quebec;  however  there  appears  to  be  room  in  the  market  for  an  Ontario   business,  provided  it  can  compete.  
-­ There   is   potential   to   put   Ontario   on   the   map   (with   Northeastern   Ontario   as   the   capital)  in  wild  blueberry  production  if  the  industry  is  developed  successfully.    
-­ There  is  a  sufficient  base  of  lands  that  could  be  developed  for  blueberry  production.  
-­ Northern  Ontario  communities  are  participating   jointly   in  a  number  of  activities  to   promote   regional   economic   development   and   there   is   the   potential   to   involve   a   number   of   communities   in   a   co-­operative   development   of   a   blueberry   production   industry.  This  will  help  build  critical  mass.    
-­ There   is   potential   to   join   forces   with   an   industry   organization   when   engaged   in   commercial   production;   this   would   provide   access   to   information,   markets   and   marketing  resources.    
-­ There   is   an   existing   and   well   supported   bee   industry   in   Ontario   to   help   support   pollination  requirements  for  the  blueberry  farm.  
-­ Bees  as  pollinators  provide  an  opportunity  to  spin  off  a  value  added  industry  based   on  wax,  honey  and  other  bee  related  items.  
-­ Distances  are  relatively  close  to  fresh  markets  such  Toronto  and  Sault  Ste  Marie  as   well  to  borders  for  shipping  processed  exports.  
SWOT  Analysis:  Threats  are  external  elements  of  the  environment  that  are  harmful   to  achieving  the  objective.    Threats  could  result  in  trouble  to  the  operation.  
-­ Blueberry   production   and   blueberry   prices   exhibit   considerable   variability.     Producti