NSAC E-Bulletin

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November 25 2002 - Week 111

Principal's Jottings #66

REPORT FROM INNOVATION WORKSHOP
The organizers of the workshop on "Innovation and Competitiveness of the Canadian Economy with Special Focus on the Agri-Food Sector" held at the University of Guelph in late September, have released a report on the conclusion from that workshop. Having had the privilege of participating in the workshop, I have reported on it earlier in this Bulletin in a very brief fashion, highlighting the contribution of some of the speakers. This report draws conclusions from the discussion and input of all participants.

The report is an excellent summary from a high altitude providing useful direction for institutions like NSAC to keep in focus as we go forward in developing and implementing the strategic action plan. A few key observations from that report are excerpted below:

• Training/attracting/retaining highly qualified people is a key to achieving world leadership in innovation.

• Universities must deliver an educational package that stresses: world class education, basic and applied research, a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and risk taking, and the importance of commercialization efforts.

• Universities must participate in public debate, establish networks and joint ventures, advise policy makers.

• Canada needs to double the number of science and engineering graduates to meet the target of ranking among the top five countries in the world in R&D by 2010.

For those interested in reviewing the full report, a copy will be placed on the Principal's Reserve in the Library.

REFLECTIONS ON AASTW
Although I was not able to attend many of the sessions of the AASTW held here 10 days ago, I did note what I felt to be the highlights of the sessions which I did attend. I would like to share a few of those observations with you here, as they occur to me from an airplane seat, a literal, high altitude perspective.

• Plenary Session #1: Simon Kennedy, AAFC, outlined the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) but, most importantly, he set out the broad policy and social context in which it has emerged. Of particular significance has been the shift from "single event" issues like repatriation of the constitution or the signing of a free trade agreement to more continuous, quality of life issues like health care, the environment, food safety, etc. These require long term commitment of resources in a process in which it is more difficult to measure progress.

• Plenary Session #2: Perspectives on the APF from government, agribusiness and the farm sector were provided by John MacQuarrie, Deputy Minister, PEIDAF, Mark McCauley, Vice-President Marketing, McCain Foods Canada and Barron Blois, Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia. For his part, while rolling out the "PEI Food Trust" plan which, in some respects, pre-dated the APF, John MacQuarrie also talked about the importance of a regional approach and the need for a regional policy "think tank" to provide analytical assistance to provincial governments in the region. Mark McCauley described and illustrated the degree of concentration occurring in food manufacturing and retailing, along with some idea of where McCain's fits in that picture in the global context. Among other things, Barron Blois made a point of the need for our graduates to be well-trained in personnel management, risk management and entrepreneurship if they are to be successful in the business of farming or other areas of the food sector.

• Plenary Session #3: the wrap-up session of the AASTW featured Peter Underwood, Deputy Minister, NSDAF and Joe Brennan, President of the NB Agricultural Producers Association. Mr. Brennan provided quite a few thoughtful observations about the Agricultural Policy Framework, noting, first of all, that the direction it represents is broadly rooted in society and, whether we like it or not, that's where we are going. He expressed some skepticism about the value and validity of the "Branch Canada" concept but applauded the industry for showing leadership in the food safety agenda.

Mr. Brennan underlined the importance of a regional approach to the issues and strategies, noting that it would be consistent with consolidation taking place in the food industry. He also emphasized the importance of education, especially business management, as a key element of the APF under the "Renewal" pillar. He observed that the need to address the environmental issues was undeniable but that it would take money to do it and suggested that adoption of new practices would go more quickly and smoothly if it was part of the market requirement. Mr. Brennan observed that the most contentious and critical element of the APF is that of risk management and safety nets, citing money and long term commitment as essential for success in this area.

In his concluding comments, Peter Underwood found much to agree with in Mr. Brennan's remarks. He concurred, for example, the business risk management pillar of APF was critical to the overall acceptance and that the marketplace was a powerful tool for changing behaviors. Mr. Underwood also agreed that regional co-operation could be useful in Atlantic Canada's approach to the issues.

He commended the farm industry in NS for showing leadership in environmental issues and observed that the food safety system has become the key for access to global markets. He noted that innovation can play an important role and that he considers the "science and innovation" pillar of the APF to be an essential part of the infrastructure to support other policies. Mr. Underwood challenged us to demonstrate creative thinking under the "Renewal" agenda, suggesting that it should be much broader than succession planning.

These are just a few observations that cannot do justice to the real contribution of the speakers but may, nevertheless, be useful food for thought.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NSAC "ELVES"
Hats off to the team of NSAC "elves", led by Jennifer Murray, who mobilized and organized and created an NSAC float for the local Santa Claus parade on Sunday. The float won first prize in the "schools division" and the effort earned recognition for NSAC for participating in a local community event. So, thanks again to Jennifer Murray, Sally Hankins, Dave Christie, Matt Beal, Carrie Donovan, Clint Ronalds, Audrie-Jo Vink, Robin Buttimer and Mac Smith for sharing their spirit, energy and creativity.

Hats off also to the Student Union "Elves" who organized the successful Christmas tree lighting event on the horseshoe on Monday evening. Under the enthusiastic leadership of VP Andrea Dubé, a significant gathering of NSAC students, along with a few staff and visitors, gathered in the chilly November air for hot chocolate, Timbits, singing, wreath judging and, of course, the lighting of the tree. It was good fun. Thanks to the student leaders for the initiative.

MEETINGS OFF CAMPUS
This week's agenda has me off campus to meetings most of the week, beginning with NOVANET, CONSUP and NSRIT on Tuesday, followed by the AgraPoint Board on Wednesday and Thursday. Executive will be meeting on Friday of this week.

H.G.C.

NSAC represented at the Santa Clause Parade
Thanks and congratulations to Jennifer Murray, Sally Hawkins, Dave Christie, Matt Beal, Carrie Donovan, Clint Ronalds, Audrie-Jo Vink, Robin Buttimer and Mac Smith (Rocky the Ram, for taking time out of their busy schedules to put together a float and participate in the Santa Clause Parade on November 24th, 2002. The NSAC float placed first in the "Schools" category. Well done!

News from the Road
This has been yet another busy week for us here in the Recruitment Office! Dara and Jenna were both away, Dara traveling Bridgewater and South Shore and Jenna spent last week in Moncton.
On Saturday, November 16, Brian Crouse spoke at the annual meeting of the NS Provincial 4-H Council. Eight Economics and Business students attended the Atlantic Farm Challenges Conference in Charlottetown on the weekend as well. They were armed with a display booth and all necessary recruitment materials and represented the College well.

This week, Jenna is attending school Post Secondary Fairs in Halifax, while Dara and Brian hold down the fort in the office. We are hosting a variety of schools and students for tours this week, including a group of about 40 students from Springhill High School and a group of 18 from Bathurst High. There are also a number of independent student tours which are taking place.

Next week, Jenna and Brian are in the office and Dara hits the road for her final leg of the Fall AARAO (Atlantic Association of Registrars and Admissions Officers) High School Tours. This week, we would like to give a "Tip of the Hat" to the eight students who attended the Charlottetown conference, Amy Burgoyne, Rayanne Nelson, Stephen Paget, Justin Strong, Andrew Taylor, Mike Devanney, Adam Mermuys and Erica McInnis. We would also like to give thanks to John Tait, Gary Wallace, Nancy MacLean, Fred Hampton, Dale Cunningham, Pat Nelson, Shelly Jurrlink, Dana Martin and Heather Collins, who were a huge help in making our fall High School Introductory Program a great success.

Development & Alumni Relations Office Update
Things have been very busy at the Development Office this month. In addition to helping manage the AASTW, we have been cleaning up the remains of the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame and the ongoing Annual Appeal. In addition the Office has coordinated several tours of campus by various groups, the most recent being Lois Levine, the Executive Director of the Life Science Development Association (LSDA), NuTECH and AAFC. They were most impressed with the facilities and the work we do here. This kind of tour helps us to spread the word about NSAC and we appreciate the time faculty and staff take to talk to these groups.

In the next couple of weeks the staff of the office will be focused on processing returns from the Annual Appeal and meetings with ACCC and other agricultural colleges and Universities on joint projects. The winter edition of the NSAC Agricola News will also be a priority.

International Student Association Presentation
It is already time for the second presentation of this school year, organized by the International Student's Association on campus. Like in previous years the main idea is to give students, staff and the
public an opportunity to learn about a country presented by a student (or students) from that particular country. The coming Wednesday, November 27th, it will be a joint presentation of two
European countries, Czech Republic and Finland.

Again, the presentation is done in cooperation with Chartwell's who will offer samples of some traditional dishes from these two countries, selected by the students themselves. Students who live on
campus have a selection of Canadian or a traditional Czech or Finnish dish, while off-campus students, staff and visitors may purchase the Czech or Finnish dish for $9.00 (tax included) between
the hours of 4:30 - 6:00 pm.

The presentation is free of charge and starts at 6.00 pm and will be held in the Riverview Room, Jenkins Hall, so it's ideal to have a little taste of Europe beforehand.

I strongly encourage people to use this opportunity to get some idea of the diversity found within one small continent!

Orri Páll
President
The International Student's Association

Book Launch
The Department of Business and Social Sciences is hosting a book launch for Movement Catalogued
(Baltimore, BrickHouse 2002), authored by Department member Dr. Deborah Stiles. The launch and
signing will take place on Wednesday, November 27th, 2002 at 12.00 p.m. in Humanities House, 56
Tower Road. A light lunch will be served.

Recently published in the New Poet Series of BrickHouse Books, Movement Catalogued is comprised
of three sections. Thirteen short poems make up each 'suite'; the poems chart, in imagery and
provocative language, a geographic, political, and textual pilgrimage from 'West' to 'East' and
back again.

For further information, please contact Janet Reade at 893- 6700 or Alexandra MacDonald at
893-6227.

Varsity Results
Badminton at ACAA Tournament at the University of New Brunswick - Saint John
NSAC Team Standing 5th

Women's Singles 2nd
Women's Doubles 3rd
Men's Doubles 5th

Aggie Christmas Party
A chance to see old friends and current colleagues, to celebrate the approaching holiday season, and to enjoy an evening of food, music, dance and fun.......at the AGGIE CHRISTMAS DINNER AND DANCE.
The AGGIE CHRISTMAS PARTY features a sumptuous buffet supper and an eclectic mix of contagious dance music --PLUS--great door prizes. The Grand Door Prize will be donated by Harvey's Travel.

Where and When?
6:30 PM - 1:00 AM Saturday
December 14, 2002
Jenkins Hall, NSAC campus, Truro

Ticket Sales
To order tickets call 893-6644 or contact Bridget Harrison, Tarjei Tennessen, Gloria Martin, or Jill Rogers.

NSAC Emergency Plan
The NSAC Emergency Response Plan is designed to guide the College in times of crisis. In an effort to continually update the NSAC Emergency Reponse Plan, we would like to know where the NSAC Emergency Response binder is kept in your Department. When updates occur, copies will be sent to each department for inclusion in their binder. Please contact Stephanie Rogers at srogers@nsac.ns.ca for more information.

NSAC Lost Sheep

The NSAC Development and Alumni Affairs Office constantly strives to keep its database current and up-to-date. However, due to the constant movement of alumni, issues such as 911 and so on, some of our graduates become "lost" to us. Please take a look at the following list and let us know if you have a contact for some of our current lost Sheep. Thanks in advance for your help. Information can be sent to Jo-Anne Jordan at jjordan@nsac.ns.ca