Several broad economic and societal trends (a rapidly growing population, urbanization,'rurbanization',growing support for environmental sustainability) as well as Alberta's rapid growth in several resource sectors are intensifying the pressure on land and land use.

ACTION AFTER THE GATT
AGRI-FOOD OPPORTUNITIES
BUSINESS GUIDE

This paper summarizes ways in which agriculture and food businesses work together for mutual benefit. These case studies are known to the author. Alliances can take several forms- from vertical coordination of a supply chain to a flexible business network to cooperative ventures. The paper highlights three main parts:
North American and global food market trends;
Examples of alliances and co-ops; and
How to implement an alliance successfully to meet a trend.

Key Trends and Issues
What is a Business Network
Examples in Alberta How to Start
Summary

Canada has about 2% of the world’s population, 2% of the stock market capitalization and contributes about 2% of the new discoveries. Therefore it challenges us all to consider a “98% solution”. This means going outside of our region and country, seeking 98% of the answers from elsewhere, and harvesting the world for good ideas.