Many projects can involve working with the public sector, university, colleges and NGOs. We have much experience in this arena and have many provincial and national colleagues to provide advice on projects. Although not one of our mandates, we often can play a role in government relations and in project vetting and the approval processes with expert analysis and independent opinion. Some of our projects include:

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 .

Growing Alberta, 2005

Growing Alberta is a non-profit company which provides awareness and education on agri-food issues to consumers. The highly successful company has two main products, Harvest Gala and Food For Thought magazine. The project entailed market research on industry and government alignment and a business planning process for a new focus and approach. See www.growingalberta.com

Facilitation of Priority Setting/ Plans- Alberta R&D plans, Bioproducts 2002

A plan was created for: bio-based materials •bio-chemicals•bio-energy and a new organization formed to drive the mandate (Bio-products Alberta). Completed for AARI, Innovation and Science, this project involved facilitation for a new industry development model in a strategic research network for AARI.

Provincial Strategy, Alberta Association of Colleges and Technical Institutes AACTI, 2005

We assisted AACTI in a provincial strategy and applied research plan to develop a new model to implement on a provincial system approach. Under recent Alberta regulation changes (2004), colleges can now actively pursue applied research for Alberta benefit. The project developed a new multi-year plan based on several specific program areas.

Olds College Capital Campaign Plan, 2004

We assessed the readiness and capacity of the Olds College to undertake 5 new programs for significant capital investments. The included an internal review, development of specific case statements and market research including with government. We critically reviewed the proposals and concluded with a stewardship (fundraising) plan. A launch of the over $35m capital campaign was made in June 2005.

Alberta Institute of Agrologists National CPD Plans, 2004

A phased approach was used to understand the professional development needs of professionals in the agri-food and life sciences industries. Conducting workshops and interviews and reviewing the profession identified many examples where P. Ags. have made substantive impacts to the Canadian economy (e.g. Canola, cross-breeds, technologies). The AIA is now implementing a CPD program.

Review of Alberta Agriculture Societies Program

We conducted a review on the program against the main objectives and developed a number of recommendations for action. This program budget is approximately $10 million annually.

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.

Review of the AARI On-Farm Demo Program, 2002

We reviewed the 18 year history of the on-farm demo program to understand the technology base, deployment and key issues. This program is about $12 million annually.