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.

The Best Management Practice project is based on the idea that solutions to the ongoing farm crisis exists among “leading farmers”. These leading farmers are fundamentally good managers, market focused and excel in their management. They appear to make sustain and maximize profitability through securing new and emerging markets, moving up the value-chain and adapt their operation to meet consumer trends. The key question is “What do these top farmers have in common?”

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.