Getting the Y2K Message to Agri-Business

The Department of Agriculture and Marketing and the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture have teamed up to create awareness in the agricultural community about the potential computer problems related to the year 2000.

Department and federation staff established the Y2K Extension Awareness Team in September 1998 with the goal of developing, co-ordinating and implementing an education strategy to help the agri-food industry prepare for the Y2K problem.

"The year 2000 problem has the potential to affect all businesses across the province, and agriculture is no different," said Agriculture and Marketing Minister Ed Lorraine. "We wanted to be proactive in creating awareness in the agricultural community of the problems that could arise. The team is doing an excellent job and I want to commend members for their hard work and commitment in helping producers deal with this important issue."

"There are obvious things that could be affected, like the office computer and accounting software," said Janice Edey, a resource planning specialist with the department and team chair. "But there are so many hidden problems that the agri-food community needs to be aware of, including ensuring all electronic equipment in barns is functional.

"We recommend compiling a comprehensive inventory, identifying a priority for each item and then analysing each according to priority. It is also important to ensure suppliers are dealing with year 2000 issues."

Team members have developed a Year 2000 Preparation Kit for Agri-Business that provides a step-by-step checklist for farmers to assist them in identifying Y2K issues and resources available to help them address problems. The kits were distributed to more than 4,500 agri-businesses in early December. They are available through local agricultural offices.

Team members have also developed posters and made presentations at industry organization meetings. In addition, staff orientation sessions on Y2K issues have been held to help them assist clients in identifying problems.

Fact sheets and additional information are also available on the team's website at http://agri.gov.ns.ca/y2k .

The team will continue its work until the end of February 2000.