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Alberta online horticulture survey

November 3, 2014  By Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development


November 3, 2014, Edmonton, Alta – Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD), in collaboration with the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association, is conducting an online horticulture survey.

“This survey will update key information about the horticulture industry to enable sharing of current information on the industry and support industry strategic planning,” says Sharon Faye, market analyst, ARD, Edmonton. “The horticulture industry is constantly changing; as such, updated information is needed to better best represent this industry sector, and to help with industry strategic planning.

“What the survey will do is create a snapshot of the horticulture industry in Alberta. We want to looks at acres in the province, the main crops being grown, where the key markets are, and how this can vary from region-to-region.”

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Faye says the survey results should help established growers and new entrants alike.

“The industry snapshot will help new producers get a better idea of the market is like which will help them with their business plans. It’ll also give established producers an overview of the whole market and how their region fits into the larger picture. The survey will also help industry organizations with their strategic planning.”

Faye says the survey is a pilot project with long-term aspirations. “We’re starting here with fruit and vegetable growers who sell to direct markets. Further ahead, we’d like to follow up with more questions or perhaps expand the survey to other horticulture sectors.”

The survey will be issued the first week of November. “We’re asking that businesses respond within two to three weeks. For all those surveys that are submitted by Dec 10, 2014, contacts will be entered into a draw for one of twenty chances for a $25 gift card from a selection of retailers.”

To participate in the survey, e-mail ARD.Horticulture@gov.ab.ca with the subject line “Hort Survey” and provide:

  • business name
  • key contact person for the survey
  • the business email or key contact’s email

“While this is primarily an on-line survey, we can provide participants will hard copy surveys if they prefer,” adds Faye.

For more information, e-mail Sharon.Faye@gov.ab.ca or phone 310-000, followed by 780-422-5326.


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