Business | Spring 2010
Seminars point potato growers to top profits.
Through a strategic alliance with Bayer CropScience, United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC) offers its members opportunities to improve their operations through seminars.
Bayer has renewed its commitment to the United Potato Partners Program for 2010. This is the second year the company has sponsored educational seminars for potato growers in Canada. "We’re committed to the industry, and these seminars help growers maximize production and profitability," said Dave Kikkert, portfolio manager, horticulture, for Bayer CropScience.
The seminars also help UPGC meet its primary goal of providing timely information to potato producers across the nation. "We are pleased that Bayer CropScience has recognized the UPGC initiatives as important to the sustainability of potato production," said Ray Keenan, UPGC chairman, in a January 2010 announcement.
Rob Van Roessel, a potato grower at Bow Island, AB, attended an Alberta seminar last year. "Presentations were made on the Canadian and U.S. potato markets," he said. "I took home very good market and financial information. Bayer also gave an update on its products, and information was provided on potato economics and production costs.
"The partnership is a natural fit," added Van Roessel. "Bayer is a primary supplier of inputs used by potato growers. I appreciate the company’s support of our industry through projects such as this."
Because of their success and acceptance by so many producers, these educational seminars will be adopted as a cornerstone of UPGC moving forward, said Keenan in an online message to members. "There is no better marketing tool for producers than to have knowledge of the North American potato industry."
Bayer also partners with United Potato Growers of America, sponsoring seminars across the U.S. This year, seminars will be held in nine potato growing areas south of the border. FF
To check for upcoming seminars in your area visit www.unitedpotatocanada.com
