Toma and Bouma are often engaged in an analysis of emerging opportunities and issues in various ways from facilitation and workshops to research studies to undercover the core themes of new activity and needs.

Market Potential for a Range of BioChemicals (1,3-Propanediol,1-Nonanol,1-Hexanol), 2004

The bioproducts industry shows great promise for Alberta. Toma & Bouma has worked closely with a bioplastics initiative at the University of Alberta including investigated the market potential of a range of chemical byproducts that may be forthcoming from this development.

Western Canada Infrastructure Review, 2004

Infrastructure is a key feature to a growing economy and the Saskatchewan government through the ACRE Committee was interested to understand and benchmark the province against Alberta and Manitoba. The project included a review of water, wastewater, highways, telecom, gas and electricity policy approaches and rates in Western Canada. See www.rd.gov.sk.ca .

Feasibility of an Alberta Based Bioplastics Industry, 2003

Research at the University of Alberta under the direction of Dr. Suresh Narine shows great promise in the manufacturing of bioplastics from canola and flaxseed oil. Toma & Bouma investigated the production feasibility of this venture by examining oil seed production in western Canada relative to the demand for bio-degradable plastics.

Alberta Ag Summit Process, 2001

We were involved in a number of technical workshop groups and as lead speakers for land use and value added activities. The Ag Summit process involved thousands of people across the province in a novel way to harvest ideas and clarify the issues facing the sector for the next 10-15 years. The Ag Summit process provided direct input to the Minister of Agriculture on priorities and needs.

Value Chain Initiative, 1998

Toma & Bouma were first to identify value chains (also known as supply chains) as a critical dimension in developing a value added agricultural strategy. Since 1998, the firm developed a detailed plan and implementation strategy to facilitate the formulation of value chains both in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The firm has also conducted numerous workshops and facilitated the formation of working value chains.