The 2011 Census of Agriculture counted 205,730 census farms, a decline of 23,643 or 10.3% from 2006. At the same time, the number of farm operators fell by 33,135 or 10.1% to 293,925.
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Join the Agriculture and Food Council of Alberta in Calgary on April 26 as we learn from the experience of leading local entrepreneurs at the Issues and Solutions Forum "Successfully Commercializing an Agricultural Idea." Click here for an agenda.
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A new Revolving Loan Program provides eligible Alberta agriculture producers with access to funds in a more flexible way.

Under the program, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) clients have greater control over when they can access funds, up to their established limit, through a pre-approved, self-selecting, renewable lending agreement with competitive interest rates. more...

The Business Opportunity Grant program is designed to provide assistance to Alberta primary agriculture producers and organizations in accessing one-to-one expertise that will contribute to helping their business adapt to meet changing market and consumer demands.

It is aimed at farm businesses looking to transform their operation and seeking the services of outside expertise to assess feasibility or opportunity, research markets and build business plans that contribute to the success of a new business venture or new business direction. more...

Following up after the redesign of the Start in Sturgeon and Sturgeon County Bounty websites this year, we have launched our first version of the Start in Sturgeon mobile app. The first version is now available for download from the Google Play Store (formerly Android Market) for free! The Apple version will be coming soon for download on Apple's iPhone and iPad.

The app highlights both the Sturgeon County Bounty members and Sturgeon County Trail tourism operators. The app features map locations of businesses throughout the Sturgeon Region as well as events and activities throughout the year. Planning a visit to Sturgeon or finding local producers or restaurants supporting Sturgeon producers has become a whole lot easier.

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After the release of the Start in Sturgeon brand and website last February the "Version 2" continues to address better usability and information to visitors. Economic sector profiles, currently under development, and easier to find information based on user needs is the goal of the V2 website.

The site will be combining old and new pages during the transition throughout January and February 2012 as the content transitions from V1 to V2.

The Sturgeon County Bounty website also reflects the new Start in Sturgeon look and usability.

If you would like to provide comments on the new site let us know via email.

March 1st and 2nd, 2012 at the Black Knight Inn in Red Deer, Alberta, the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development will be hosting the ALBERTA FARM FRESH LOCAL FOOD SHORT COURSE, formerly named Berry & Vegetable School. The new name was chosen to help recognize that a full protein stream containing various sessions will be offered this year, as well as the introductory and advanced fruit and vegetable sessions as presented in the past.

This Short Course is open to both members and non-members of the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association. There will be sessions for new or potential producers, as well as established producers. more...