Conferences - Calgary 2006 & New Zealand 2008

Next Conference:
23rd Commonwealth Agricultural Conference
November 2008 - Christchurch, New Zealand

“The Challenges of Change”

Programme Outline 2008

Pre-Conference Tour:
Friday 7 – 14 November
To include attendance at 2 day Royal NZ Show, Chief Executive Seminar and NG Forum.

Conference:
Saturday 15 - 17 November
To include "The Challenges of Change" in global agriculture, agriculture within the Commonwealth and the future in NZ agriculture.

Post-Conference Tour:
Tuesday 18 –24 November
To include various farm tour and visits throughout NZ.

To view or request full details of the Commonwealth Agricultural Conference, New Zealand, 2008 click the on the above icon which will take you to the Conference website. You will then be able to complete the 'Register Your Interest' form. Details will thereafter be sent to you.

Thank you for your interest.

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Past Conference

22nd Commonwealth Agricultural Conference
July 2006 - Calgary, Alberta

"Market Expectations for Food - and Farming Realities"
Summary by Malcolm Stansfield

The conference got off to an excellent start with the welcome by our Chairman, Lord Vestey, followed by a most stimulating paper from Rt. Hon. Don McKinnon, Secretary General of the Commonwealth. He presented some frightening statistics in respect of the Less Developed Countries of the Commonwealth. With for example 50% population of Sierra-Leone being seriously under nourished. It will certainly be a challenge to lift them out of their poverty. He posed the question – “Can we in the developed countries provide the help required?” The answer is yes – if given a chance.

The Hon. Doug Horner, Minister of Agriculture for Alberta, set the scene by outlining Alberta agriculture and emphasised the need for producers to add value. The Canadian Government was assisting by establishing “Business Incubators”.

How pleasing it was to hear from both the crop and livestock scientists that highly relevant research is being undertaken to assist farmers increase efficiency. Plant breeders are moving away from “hybridise and hope” to predictive molecular breeding. The impressive increase in production of the Canadian Holstein cow was noted, but current selection is for traits such as female fertility and calving ease – to produce more robust animals.

The afternoon session on marketing was highly relevant to the Conference theme, with the presentations creating lively discussion. Canadian farmers are having to respond to the changing needs of the market – complicated by research indicating that there are seven specific customer groups (from cheap basics to premium/service) Farmers respond to monetary rewards, but increasing regulation adds to cost. The availability of increasing quantities of by-product grains from ethanol plants is an example of a new opportunity for livestock producers.

The second day focussed on developing countries. Christie Peacock’s opening paper confirmed the serious challenge required to overcome poverty – especially in Africa south of the Sahara. Action is urgently needed to: empower rural people; provide, access to technical and commercial information; skills, inputs financial services and markets.

Wendy Lee Yuen explained the special marketing problems facing Caribbean farmers. Product quality is vital to compete with imports. She agreed that “prices send messages”. Certification of producers is essential, but an associated regulatory framework is a must. “Exciting” was again the description of Scottish beef producer Don McPherson in respect of his involvement in Farmer’s Markets. Being in close contact with the customer is highly beneficial.

Prof Hughes however had earlier used the grading of a strawberry crop to explain how the needs of a range of customers could be met from a typical berry harvest. A most interesting marketing development was outlined by Bob Church, as it will soon be possible to determine an individual’s make-up - “diets to fit genes” will be in demand. The final paper of the day reported on a conservation project in Norfolk, UK, and the social aspects of change.

The third and final morning began with interesting presentations from the two groups who had met on the day prior to the conference. The Next Generation (NG) clearly demonstrated general enthusiasm and keenness to express their appreciation for the sponsorship that most had received from Member Societies. The proposed project to assist with the operation of a show in Zambia in 2007 and possible exchange arrangements of staff from different societies was well received. They are keen to build trust, willing to learn how to be future leaders and want to feel they are needed. (More detail on the Youth Forum page).

The report from the CEOs confirmed the enormous economic benefits to local area from the operation of shows/fairs. The importance of volunteers was stressed, as was the education of visitors in respect of food and farming. The need to make surpluses (non taxed) was vital, but there was no blueprint for success.

Steve Edwards (Stampede) and John Bennett (small show in Australia) outlined their secrets to success. They provided much ”food for thought”, advising that it is best to “Do your own thing” but to do it well – to meet the expectation of the visitors.

Returning to the marketing theme, Pat Stanley presented a clear, uncomplicated, well- illustrated paper on the development of her Longhorn herd. The revival of native breeds – especially due to the eating quality of the meat, is a trend to be noted.

The session ended on a particularly high note with a different, even welcome contribution on climate change from Tim Ball. He condemned the “age of misunderstanding” and although admitting to the existence of global warming, quoted longer term outcomes. He suggested we stay calm and resist the taking of draconian action for a non-existing problem.

Full Conference Report

Please contact us to request a copy of the full Conference Report. Click on the link below to view a very interesting article taken from the Report, which was discussed at great length during the Conference.

The Role of the Voluntary Steward

To contact us:

RASC
Royal Highland Centre
Ingliston
Edinburgh
EH28 8NF

Tel: +44 (0) 131 335 6200
Fax: +44 (0) 131 335 6229
Email: rasc@commagshow.org