A decision is expected this fall on the future of a training program for food processors who hope to expand their markets.
Bryan Kosteroski, an official with the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan, says response to the Food Professionals Management Program was positive, but organizers will evaluate the program before deciding if it will be offered on an ongoing basis.
The eight-day course was launched as a pilot program last November and attracted 10 participants. Twenty-four spaces were available.
The participants, including Saskatchewan-based food processors and food industry managers, completed the course in mid-April and received program certificates April 16 at the University of Saskatchewan.
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The program was designed to help processors improve their businesses and expand their markets into the retail and food service sectors.
It offered training in business management, cost mechanisms, product pricing, human resource management, consumer trends, marketing strategies and value chains.
“Right now we’re just in the midst of an evaluation of the project,” said Kosteroski, who described the course as a made-in-Saskatchewan initiative that could serve as a template for similar programs in other provinces.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from value chain specialists across Canada who are interested in implementing this type of program in their own provinces.”
Kosteroski said many small-to medium-sized food processors in Canada have developed top-quality products but need help taking their goods to the retail level.
The program was launched to address that need.
“A lot of this program was focused toward taking companies to the next level in terms of dealing with retailers and the food service world,” Kosteroski said.
When the course evaluation is complete, organizers will look at continuing the program or offering it through an outside agency.
