Toma and Bouma have completed a number of innovative reviews in best practice in economic development, manufacturing and food processing and with leading farmers. These projects typically led to implementation efforts and policy development to help industrial development to expand in the province.

Best Management Practices Knowledge Guide, 2005

A Knowledge Guide booklet was prepared and tested in pilot workshops in Alberta with over 100 farmers, advisors and college students. The Knowledge Guide is a first in the world approach to clarify the best management practice concepts for broad application in agriculture. Workshops and guides are available for sponsorship and use. The project involved Wild Rose Agriculture Producers, several Alberta counties and the IAMF program of the Agriculture and Food Council. See www.agfoodcouncil.com

Related Documents:

Knowledge Guide- Best Management Practices of Leading Farmers - 2005

Best Practice of Leading Farmers, CARD, AAFC, 2004

Testing the same concepts of best practice against the farm sector was done in a Western Canada survey of leading farmers and validated with international experts from the UK, USA and AU. Results of the project show that leading farmers have 9 Best Management Practices and are generally doing better than the overall farm sector. Project findings have been presented to Canadian farmers and in 2005 to a Texas A&M conference in Mexico with international farmers. See www.leadingfarmers.com

Best Manufacturing Practices of Food Processors, 2003

A survey of 35 Edmonton region food processors was undertaken to assess and benchmark their practices against USA practices. In addition a literature review of UK and USA methods was completed. The results have led to two new industry approaches of peer group learning and a new Lean Manufacturing program from AAFRD. The work was completed for AAFRD, EDE, WED and AFPA.

Best Practices of Economic Development Agencies, 2000

A review of the best practices of economic development agencies involved with manufacturing including visits to 6 USA centers and several EU centers for comparative purposes. The work entailed a comparison of USA programs and other Canadian provinces approaches to economic development. Several of the concepts have been implemented including Lean Manufacturing, a focus on research support and better research linkages. The work was completed for AED.

Economic Development Plans- Regional Economic Agencies, 2000 to present

We have completed economic development opportunity evaluations, strategic plans and business plans for many agencies including: EDE, PREDA, CAEP, GAER, Two Hills Economic Development Group, PEP, Southgrow, Alberta Economic Development, Saskatchewan Agrivision Corporation and Western Economic Diversification. These projects typically involve a review of the regional assets, market opportunities, entrepreneurial interests and strategies to employ for community benefits.

Best Management Practice Knowledge Centre

We have another set of resources at the following webpage which has other on-line information. See www.bmpknowledge.com