Saskatchewan Organic Sector Training Needs Assessment.
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Transcript of Saskatchewan Organic Sector Training Needs Assessment.
Saskatchewan Organic Sector Training Needs Assessment
2
Background on the Study
Study period February to June, 2006.
Conducted by Sage Management Services, overseen by steering committee, funded by Saskatchewan Learning.
Producers participated in surveys and focus groups. Discussions and surveys took place with Stakeholder Group.
Extensive internet and Web based research, Review of relevant studies and reports.
Feasibility study of Prairie Ursuline Centre
Saskatchewan Organic Sector Training Needs Assessment Included
Environmental Scan Training Needs Assessment Consultations Review of Educational Models, Program and
Curriculum Feasibility Study Prairie Ursuline Centre Recommendations
Organic Food Production
Environmental Scan
Global Consumers
Global organic food and drink market US $23 billion in 2002.
Distribution– 51% North America– 46% Western Europe– 3% other areas
Typically– Lives in urban area– Considers quality, origin,
production methods– Well educated, middle to high
income household
Environmental Scan
Profile of a Canadian Organic Consumer
60% are female Under represented in the
$60 to $80 K More likely to be form British
Columbia Less likely to be from
Saskatchewan (7%) or Alberta (12%)
More likely to be 25 -34 yrs of age versus the over 55 age group
Environmental Scan
Education and Training
Few ‘formal’ educational opportunities exist. Strong models to follow in European countries Member and Stakeholder groups provide support Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada providing support
Environmental Scan
Farm Information
89% of those surveyed are Certified Organic, 4% in transition.
95% produce grain, 22% Livestock, 15% Fruit & Vegetables.
86% dedicated 76 to 100% of farm production to Organics.
Survey
Producer Skill Level
Organic Production– 52% Experienced– 34% Intermediate– 8% Beginner– 6% Expert
Organic Product Marketing
– 36% Intermediate– 29% Beginner– 28% Experienced– 3 % Expert – 4% Don’t Know
Survey
Communication andGathering Knowledge
– Telephone preferred tool, for communicating
– 78% have computer
– 42% have dial up, 11% high speed
– 15% use computer for marketing and research
– 89% learn from other Organic Growers
– 82% from books, 70% workshops, 62%conferences, 60% trials
– Producers prefer a regional, rural setting for training programs over major cities or online.
Survey
Areas of Training Need
Survey
Organic Certifications & Regulations
73% rate Organic Certification Extremely Important 64% rate Environmental Farm Plans Important 30% rate On Farm Food Safety Extremely Important, 30%
Important 33% rate Foreign Certifications Extremely Important, 33%
Important 54% rate Canadian Standards & Regulations, Extremely
Important, 30% Important
Survey
Organic Certifications & Regulations
93% have Organic Certification in place 55% have Environmental Farm Plans in place 25% have On Farm Food Safety in place 63% have Foreign Certifications or plan to have in
place
Survey
Education Costs
Tuition– 43% of producers felt
Tuition was of little to no concern
– 46% would pay between $50.00 & $100.00 per course
Accommodations – 54% of producers felt
accommodations were of little to no concern
– 40% would pay between $35.00 & $50.00 per night
Loss of Farm Labour– 49% said 1 day loss of labour
was no more than a small concern
– 63% said 1 week loss of labour was a concern or would have a serious impact
Producers would pay – 25% pay $50 - $75/day– 27% pay $100 -$125/day – 13% pay $100-$200/week– 12% pay $300/week– 24% pay $500/week
Survey
Customers & Sales
Only 27% of organic producers market direct to consumers
68% of those do so at the Farm Gate 16% at Farmers Markets 11% at a Retail Outlet
Survey
Prairie Ursuline Centre (PUC)
53% Surveyed were familiar with PUC. 49% on average felt it met expectations Start up costs approx. $800,000 Considerable risks associated
with ownership of the facility Need for a common vision of an
Organic Learning Centre
Survey
Focus Group Sessions
Successes of Sector
– Positive environmental impact
– Higher nutritional value of food
– Preventing entrance of GMO wheat into Canada
– Export market development
– Organic farming viable for next generation
Sector Needs
– Financial support for conversion
– Common Vision– National Standards &
Regulations– Training and Resources– Research and
Development– Functioning Value
Chains
Other Consultations
Certifiers view of Producer Needs
Classify producers new & experienced as needs vary significantly
Transitioning is intense process requiring support
Feel mentorship program would be very valuable
Not certain of the need for an Organic Learning Centre but a Sask focus to research and resources is needed.
Other Consultations
Educational Models & Opportunities
Lack of Credit Studies available in Sask. University of Guelph have only degree in Canada. Certificates available in other Provinces. Certificate in Ag Program (CAP) at U.of S. a good
model to use for Organic Certificate Seminars and conferences highly utilized by organic
producers Good models exist from which to build Formal
Apprentice and Mentoring programs
Research Findings
Dedicated Organic Learning Centre The Falls Brook Centre, NB
Research Findings
Program & Curriculum Development
Certificate Program- Easy to begin with, cost
effective - Computer mediated and
regional delivery lends to self directed learning style of many producers
- May ease certification
difficulties
Degree– Would benefit the sector
with valuable research papers
– Develops highly educated organic professionals to provide
expertise- May interest new
entrants to the College of Ag & Bio - Resources
Research Findings
Recommendations
Develop a Provincial Organic Strategy (1) Develop Organic Promotion Plan that focuses on Consumer
Awareness of health, environment and social benefits of buying organic. (2,5,6,8)
Study mission to Europe, Cuba and other countries, review actions that support the growth and development of the organic sector. (3)
Ensure lenders are knowledgeable of organic production and marketing systems.(4)
Conduct research to support nutritional and health claims on organic products. (7)
Seek membership with Agriculture in the Classroom program.(9)
Recommendations
Universities and Colleges form a consortium to develop curricula in Organic Agriculture/Ecological Agriculture (10)
Study new & potential students entering College of Agriculture& Bio Resources, U of S, on the potential of an Organic major. (11)
Provide Organic Producers with educational resources including an updated & enhanced Organic Production Manual and a library of reference material. (12, 13)
Make application to Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Saskatchewan (ACAAFS) for financial assistance. (14)
Recommendations
Develop a formalized mentorship program that includes support and resource material for the acting mentors (16)
Develop an ‘Organic Leaders Program’ in conjunction with Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) (17)
Pursue eligibility of the Organic Certification process as an approved Learning Activity under the CASS program. (18)
Work with the First Nations Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan (FNACS) on co-beneficial programs.(19)
Develop a common vision for an Organic Learning Centre conduct feasibility and develop business plan. (20)
Wrap up and planning session
What comes next? Release the report via website. Prioritize the Recommendations Develop a Plan of Action from the Study. Provide general membership
with follow up information.
Thank you