HASKAP PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION  

Meeting Agenda (Monday October 23/ 06  6:30pm-9:30pm )

University of Saskatchewan , 51 Campus Drive ,

Room 2E25 Agriculture building  

Objectives

             The purpose of this meeting is three fold.  First we want to allow a forum for producers, propagators, processors and government to discuss with the U of S  plant research department, the progress that has been made in the selection and marketing of the Haskap fruit.  Secondly, it allows the before mentioned groups an opportunity to network and potentially answer any questions an individual or group might have.  The third objective is to formally establish the Haskap Producers Association along with its mission, goals, and structure.

 A)  Fruit Up-date  40 min  (Dr. Bob Bors)  

1.      Review where the selection process is currently and information on what stages the breeding program for Haskap is at.

2.      Interested importation parties from Japan

a.       Who are they

b.      Volume and quality requirements

c.       Proposed meeting agendas

                                                                           i.      (Haskap Services (of Japan ) Nov 19- 23)

                                                                         ii.      Other interested parties.

 B)  Coffee along with Fruit and Ice cream sampling  20 min

 C)  New Generation Co-op  20 min (Bruce Hill- Prairie Cherry Producers’ Association)  

            Bruce will present the benefits of grower groups and the development of new generation co-ops to aid producers in primary processing, marketing and product branding.

Question Answerer Period  (Brain Storm Session)  40 min  

            Possible topics of Discussion:

                         Licensed propagators

                        Timeline for volume of plants

                        Marketing and meeting with the Japanese

                        Grower requirements

                        Shelf life fresh

                        Producer supply requirements

                        Production guidelines (Spacing, nutrient requirements , etc.)

                        New Gen Co-Ops

                        Marketing and support group (HASKAP PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION)

Association Formation  60 min  

1.      Mission Statement

2.      Goals and directives

3.      Committee Formation

a.       Association Structure

b.      Government requirements

c.       Funding

                                                                           i.      Check-offs or plant fees

                                                                         ii.      Membership dues

                                                                        iii.      Advertising

d.      Marketing

                                                                           i.      Japanese companies

                                                                         ii.      E.U.

                                                                        iii.      Domestic

e.       Production  Requirements

                                                                           i.      Supply purchasing (irrigation, fencing, root stock, plastic mulch, fertilizer, equipment)

                                                                         ii.      HACCP certification

                                                                        iii.      Organic production

                                                                       iv.      Primary and possibly secondary processing

                                                                         v.      Grading  and Export requirements

 Wrap-Up