Free webinars on opportunities in key Asian markets

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada invites you to a series of web-based seminars, designed to provide you with current information related to trends, opportunities and challenges in some of Canada’s key Asian markets. Trade Commissioners, responsible for the agri-food and seafood sector, will deliver one-hour presentations on their respective markets. The webinar will allow you to see the presenter through his/her webcam, view the presentation on the screen, and ask questions verbally through the simultaneous teleconference or in writing via your computer. All seminars will be broadcast online through a platform called “AgriForum” and managed by AAFC. For more information about the seminars and registration, click here to download an invitation from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Food Safety Planning Workshops Set for Fall of 2010

“A BC HACCP Plan” one-day workshops are being held across British Columbia again this year, as part of the Outreach Element of the Food Safety Systems Implementation (Processor) Program, managed in British Columbia by the SSFPA. All food processors that have not already participated in the program are encouraged to attend a workshop to learn about basic HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) theory and practical monitoring techniques. The workshops are facilitated by a qualified professional who will provide you with the most current information on food safety and answer your questions, based on extensive knowledge and experience. 

Food Safety Planning Workshops for September–December 2010
• Burnaby – Friday, September 17
• Courtenay – Thursday, September 30
• Cranbrook – Thursday, October 14
• Nelson – Wednesday, October 20
• Williams Lake – Friday, October 22
• Victoria – Friday, November 5
• Richmond – Friday, November 19
• Abbotsford – Thursday, December 2

For more information on these and other workshops, click here.

“A BC HACCP Plan” Distance Learning Opportunities

Some food processors live in more remote areas of British Columbia and are unable to attend “A BC HACCP Plan” workshop in person. To meet the needs of these processors, the FSSI (Processor) Program now offers two Distance Learning options – Conference Call Workshops (under development) and a Home Study Program. Participants receive all workshop materials, including an instructional DVD, and complete the workshop by talking part in a series of conference calls, or at their own pace through a home study program. The first conference call workshop is scheduled for January 2011. For more information on these options, visit the Distance Learning Options web page or contact the FSSI (Processor) Program Outreach Coordinator toll free at 1-866-619-7372 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Imported Food Sector Regulatory Proposal

August 2010 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is seeking feedback on a regulatory proposal to enhance import controls. This proposal may directly affect you if you import food products in the Non Federally Registered Sector (NFRS). These products include all food and food ingredient regulated solely under the Food and Drugs Act and account for 70% of the food products available in the Canadian marketplace. The CFIA is seeking stakeholder feedback on the regulatory proposal, with a view to gauging the level of support for the initiative being considered and identifying any suggestions for alterations to the proposal.This consultation is open for comment from August 16 to October 4, 2010. Anyone can provide comments. We would like to hear your ideas, concerns and suggestions on the regulatory proposal. Find out more at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/imp/lic/lice.shtml