A major farm management conference is being held in Charlottetown from November 21 to 23. The Atlantic Farm Challenges Conference is an annual event that attracts agriculture industry representatives from the four Atlantic provinces.
The theme of this year's conference is "It's Your Move," and Colleen Younie, farm management specialist with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, says it's a unique opportunity for producers to examine the future of their industry.
"The conference is planned to help producers survive and thrive into the future, think differently and be ready for whatever challenges arise," said Younie. "It is designed to provide practical perspectives on what it's going to take to be in the business of farming in the future."
Speakers from across Canada, including producers from the Atlantic region, will address issues including how well farm managers are doing now and where they need to improve, who is driving markets and where producers fit, and managing environmental responsibilities. Keynote speaker is Larry Martin of the George Morris Centre in Guelph, which provides public and private decision makers with information and analysis on current and long-term issues which affect the agri-food sector. Others who will be addressing the conference are: John Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Farm Credit Canada; John Scott, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers; and Dave Aggett of the enforcement branch of Environment Canada.
Younie is encouraging as many producers as possible to attend and network with fellow producers from across the region. A resource centre with displays from many institutions and businesses will also be established.