Innovative Ideas for the Agriculture Industry

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Innovative Ideas for the Agriculture Industry

Entrepreneurs who want to break into the agricultural sector or expand their current business will be able to learn how at a full-day workshop in November.

The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Kings Community Economic Development Agency are hosting two workshops and mini-trade fairs with the theme Innovative Ideas for the Agriculture Industry. The events will be held at the Agritech Park in Truro on Wednesday, Nov. 7 and at the Wandlyn Inn in Coldbrook on Thursday, Nov. 8.

"Nova Scotia's agri-food industry is chock-full of innovative, hard-working and professional individuals who have developed new technologies and products to shape this dynamic industry as we know it today," said Laurie Sandeson, planning and development officer with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. "Others who have not fully developed their home-grown ideas could benefit from this type of workshop and trade fair."

Over the past four years, the Kings development agency and department staff have been working together to develop new opportunities for the province's agri-food sector. Roundtable discussions, value-added workshops and business-to-business networking sessions have led to this phase, which is about growing innovative ideas and new business initiatives.

This innovation fair is designed to provide a forum for networking, idea-sharing and alliance-building for those individuals and companies in the agriculture and food industry who wish to grow their businesses or business ideas.

"From these sessions, participants will better understand the process involved in developing an idea from concept to business plan development and product launch," said Ms. Sandeson.

Guest speakers will focus on: business planning and financial structuring; hands-on market intelligence; new generation co-ops; protecting intellectual property; marketing plans; and steps to exporting.

The mini-trade fair will feature public and private sector agencies who are ready and willing to lend assistance to start-up businesses and established companies that are looking to expand or diversify. Representatives from financial lending institutions, technical research organizations, government business development departments, regulatory and marketing agencies will be available to answer questions and offer information about various programs and services.

Admission is free and organizers are hoping that participants will come prepared with ideas and questions.