2009 ISSUE VOLUME 17 INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE 2009 CALGARY STAMPEDE: THE LEGEND CONTINUES Canada’s agricultural experts help seal international deals The new generation of agricultural leaders Safflower: from cooking oil to insulin The official publication of the International Agriculture Committee SHOWCASING THE AGRICULTURAL IND USTR Y TO THE WORLD MESSAGE FROM CANADA’S MESSAGE FROM GREETINGS FROM THE MESSAGE FROM MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE MINISTER OF ALBERTA AGRICULTURAL MANAGERS OF THE CHAIR AND AGRI-FOOD AND AGRICULTURE AND THE CALGARY STAMPEDE Calgary Stampede MINISTER FOR THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT International Agriculture Committee CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD Max Fritz Senior Manager Agriculture, Calgary Stampede Herb McLane Gerry Ritz George Groeneveld Chair, International Minister of Agriculture Minister of Alberta Agriculture Committee and Agri-Food Agriculture and Rural Development A warm welcome to all guests at the 2009 Calgary Stampede! Alberta is a province shaped by hard-working, innovative, and Welcome to the International Profile –the official publication of the determined men and women. From homesteaders to cowboys, these The Calgary Stampede is a great showcase for Canadian agriculture both individuals helped propel Alberta in a new direction –not unlike Calgary Stampede International Agriculture Committee! Throughout for Canada’s international guests and for all consumers. today’s farmers and ranchers. While the challenges may have changed, these pages, we invite you to read about many of the dedicated and As a former cattleman, I wear my Stetson proudly. As federal that spirit has not, not unlike that of the Calgary Stampede. enthusiastic people who bring an entrepreneurial spirit to the world of Canadian and international agriculture and agri-food. Throughout the Agriculture Minister, I am equally proud of the reputation of Canadian Regarded as one of the finest agricultural sporting events in the world, agriculture on the international stage. By putting Farmers First in every the Stampede is truly The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth –combining publication you will encounter articles on passionate individuals, decision we make, this Government is helping to make sure that the past and present, tradition and modernism. As Minister of Alberta diverse agricultural programs and the next generation of innovative future of Canadian agriculture is bright, especially during these times Agriculture and Rural Development, I invite you to come and experience Canadian farmers. of global economic instability. this memorable event this summer. The International Profile is an annual project of the International We are proud of our international reputation for producing safe, The Stampede blends city and rural together seamlessly. As an annual Agriculture Committee and produced primarily through the efforts of high-quality food and we will continue to build on our reputation destination for many visitors, it offers “Ag-tivity in the City.” The volunteers. We are proud of this publication and consider it one of our Stampede provides networking opportunities to agricultural businesses Robert Wise Allison Wright of excellence. Over the past year, this Government has opened Agriculture Manager, signature achievements. We hope you agree and we encourage you to and highlights the different ways the agricultural industry impacts all Agriculture Manager, Calgary Stampede keep your copy as a memento of your visit to the Calgary Stampede, for international markets and expanded opportunities to sell our world- of our daily activities. Calgary Stampede class beef, cattle, livestock genetics and many other agriculture products. future reference on the ten-day festival and as a reminder of service I will continue to work with industry and other levels of government International visitors are provided with a unique, hands-on opportunity providers who are important sponsors of our activities. to learn about Alberta’s agriculture industry in the International to continue to earn the trust, respect and market access that Room, located in the Agricultural Building. Producers, breeders, The purpose of the International Agriculture Committee is to bring Canadian farmers deserve. The Calgary Stampede is the community’s cradle of western heritage members of the world agricultural community together to share ideas, and top Canadian cattlemen and women are on-site, ready to answer and traditions. As a living embodiment of the western values that bind facilitate business opportunities and to foster cultural understanding; Congratulations to the Calgary Stampede for being such a great questions and provide information about their work. and build our community, the Calgary Stampede is a gathering place we provide guests with a unique international and agriculture experience, ambassador for Canadian agriculture. Best wishes to all for an enjoyable Alberta is famous for our western hospitality and breathtaking natural that hosts, educates and entertains the world. time at the Stampede! scenery. I encourage you to include a visit to our mountain parks including memorable Western hospitality! Our committee members In 2009, we will also be offering several unique and customized Farm deliver on our purpose through a variety of programs and projects and many outlying communities as part of your stay. You’ll be glad Tour packages to international tour operators that will connect our that include not only the International Profile but also the hosting of you did. guests to local industry leaders who display and cultivate some of the best agriculture products in the world. 2,000 international guests in the International Room (open daily during the Calgary Stampede on Stampede Park from 11.00 a.m. to Agriculture has a place in our hearts… and a home in our city. We are 7.00 p.m.), to our presence in the Ag-tivity in the City tent, to the an organization dedicated to attracting and producing world-class International Reception (Wednesday, July 8, 2009). events and are proud to be The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. We look forward to you joining us in 2009. Enjoy the show! The International Agriculture Committee supports the values of the Vern Kimball, Chief Executive Officer, Calgary Stampede Calgary Stampede and the vision and mandate of the Agriculture Department, promoting western values and excellence. If you are a The Calgary Stampede’s unique agriculture showcase is unparalleled in the world. Our events and programs, first-time visitor to the Calgary Stampede we know you will be excited including The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, bring the best of the agriculture industry into the heart of Calgary, by the many things to experience during your visit … if you are a repeat connecting urban, rural and international communities. I encourage you to attend the 2009 edition of the Calgary visitor, welcome back! Stampede and enjoy the true spirit of western hospitality. For more information about the Calgary Stampede, visit www.calgarystampede.com. And we thank Calgary The Calgary Stampede International Agriculture Committee extends heartfelt thanks to the talented volunteer writers who enthusiastically captured the stories shared here. They took time from their work to demonstrate their curiosity, keen interviewing skills and strong writing abilities. Our writers include members of the International Agriculture Committee, other Calgary Stampede volunteers and industry colleagues. We also thank Browarny Photographics for many of the photographs included in this publication. THE PROFILE 2009 1 COVER CREDIT: Sam Wirzba. Read about the photographer and his work on page 5. THE InProfile: Barry Bennett CONTENTS INTERNATIONAL 10 CANADA’S AGRICULTURAL EXPERTS HELP SEAL INTERNATIONAL DEALS Barry Bennett has agriculture in his blood and it has defined a diverse and successful career 28 THE NEW GENERATION OF ROOM Promoting complemented by a passionate long-term commitment to the Calgary Stampede. In 2009, AGRICULTURAL LEADERS 24 SAFFLOWER: FROM COOKING OIL TO INSULIN he’ll be acknowledged by his volunteer colleagues and Stampede leadership for his role in Alberta & Canadian establishing the renowned International Agriculture Committee. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE BY NORMA B. DUNN AND JILL HILDERMAN Herb McLane Norma Dunn Myra Lever Agriculture (Chair) Welcome to all Agriculture Marlene Graham QC Syd Loeppky Byron Hussey (Director) Aaron Grant Candace Lyle Exhibitors and International visitors. When the Calgary Stampede International Agriculture Ted Haney Shannon Haney Kim McConnell (Vice Chair/Sub Chair (on leave) The International Room on Stampede Park presents agricultural product and Committee welcomes guests to the International Room on Sponsorship) Jill Hilderman (Communications Jennifer Norrie service exhibits, shares information on industry sectors and invites visitors Stampede Park during the 10-day festival this year, they’ll John Arnold Sub Chair) Dave Phillips to socialize with producers, industry specialists, exporters and government be celebrating their committee’s 25-year anniversary and Barry Bennett Keith Jones Tina representatives. recognizing their dedicated and long-term member Barry (Strategic Kerrie Bennett Schwartzenberger Planning/Innovation Members of all Stampede committees, representing Canada’s diverse agricultural Bennett who helped create this renowned team. Doug Blair Sub Chair) Rick Smith sectors—are encouraged to bring their international guests and visitors too. Bennett was born in Arcola in southeastern Saskatchewan Ilona Braun Bill