You are invited to attend the SMART Christmas Tree Research and Industry update on February 18, 2012.
This will be a very informative session with updates on the very exciting research Dr.
Lada, Dr. Quiring and their research teams have completed to date. As you will learn, this
research will help establish Atlantic Canada Balsam Fir growers as leaders in the Christmas tree
industry. There will also be other industry updates including the SMART Christmas tree
branding and marketing efforts to help differentiate our product and open new markets in the
expanding Carribean and Latin American economies.
This premiere event is open to all Christmas tree growers in Atlantic Canada. In addition
to research updates, it is a great opportunity to meet other growers, exchange ideas and grow your business.
You will also learn about the benefits of owning shares in the SMART Christmas Tree
Research Co-Operative, including exclusive rights to research, SMART Tree branding and
marketing initiatives and attendance at future SMART Christmas Tree Research events.
Membership in the SMART Christmas Tree Research Co-operative is inexpensive at $100 per
year for 5 years or $500 per share plus a $10 membership share.
It is vital that all Christmas tree growers and greenery producers in Atlantic Canada own
at least one share in the SMART Christmas Tree Research Co-operative. Full grower
participation is required to realize the benefit of all of the ACOA research funds. These funds
are needed to improve the profitability and success of the Atlantic Canada industry now and in
the future.
In addition to improving your Christmas Tree operation, owning shares in the SMART
Christmas Tree Research Co-Operative will yield dividends from the successful
commercialization of any production technologies arising from the SMART Christmas Tree
Research Project.
This is an event you don’t want to miss. Please register or inquire about SMART
Christmas Tree Co-operative Shares by phoning Rachel Kennedy at 902-893-5379.
The agenda and registration form is included.
We look forward to seeing you there.
SMART Christmas Tree Research Cooperative Registration
SMART Christmas Tree Research Cooperative Agenda
New Service available to NB Christmas Tree Growers
INFOR has added a business directory to the Christmas tree section of our website. The directory consists of a searchable list that is linked to Google Maps. This service is free of charge and provides the name of the business, contact information, location and services offered. The current directory can be viewed on the side bar under Tree Grower Map or Tree Grower Search
History of Christmas Tree Production in NBChristmas trees and wreaths have been associated with the holiday season for many centuries. The tradition of decorating fir trees with Christmas decorations originated in the 7th century when an English monk went to Germany to teach the word of God. Legend has it that he used the triangular shape of the fir tree to describe the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The converted people began to refer to the fir tree as God's Tree and displaying firs at Christmas time as a symbol of Christianity.
Wreaths originated in ancient Roman times, where they were worn as a sign of royalty or were hung up to symbolize the strength of life overcoming the forces of winter. The origin of the Christmas wreath can be traced back to folk practices of pre-Christian Germanic people who, during the colder months of winter would gather wreaths of evergreen and light them on fire as a sign of hope in the coming spring and renewed light. Wreaths were adopted as a Christmas tradition in the 16th century when Catholics and Protestants throughout Germany used these symbols to celebrate the birth of Jesus, which they considered to be the coming of light.
These Christmas traditions were imported to North America with the arrival of the European settlers. Throughout the years these traditions grew in popularity to the point of creating whole economic sectors, the two main ones in New Brunswick being Christmas tree production and greenery, such as wreaths.
Christmas Tree Industry in New BrunswickPresently in New Brunswick there are approximately 350 active Christmas tree growers who produce approximately 500,000 trees a year. This industry generates over 10 million dollars of revenue yearly and creates hundreds of jobs on a year-round basis. More than 85% of the trees produced in New Brunswick are exported to the Americas, with the large portion destined to the United States seabord customers.
Also, there were over 4.5 million Christmas wreaths and other types of greenery such as grave blankets, kissing balls, garlands and bundled brush manufactured in NB in 2003. These numbers make New Brunswick the largest greenery-exporting province in Canada. The greenery industry generates approximately 4,500 full-time seasonal jobs yearly. In New Brunswick, this industry generates over 20 million dollars in sales yearly.
New Brunswick Christmas Tree Growers Co-operativeThe New Brunswick Christmas Tree Growers Co-operative was established in 1976 to act for and on behalf of the members who are involved in the growing and marketing of Christmas trees and other related natural products. This organization represents producers of Christmas trees and related natural decoration products in all matters related to the viability of the industry, more specifically by offering representation at a governmental level, promotion of market information and production support. Also, the NB Christmas Tree Growers Co-operative is a member of the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association and US National Christmas Tree Association.
To become a member of the NB Christmas Tree Growers Co-operative it is necessary to have an interest in producing either Christmas trees or related greenery. The membership dues vary depending on the area of your production site and if trees are ready for market or not. For more detailed information on membership dues click here.
What kind of service do they provide?
The NB Christmas Tree Growers Co-operative offers many valuable services and information to growers and greenery producers of New Brunswick. Here is a list of the various services they provide:
Representation:
* Ensure the availability of technical advisory services to producers and marketers of Christmas trees and other natural decoration products;
* Promote environmentally sustainable practices among growers;
* Lobby governments on maintaining fair trade and to keep the USA borders open to product.
Market Promotion:
* Diffuse information on the safe use of natural Christmas trees and other decorative products among consumers;
* Inform growers of current and foreseeable market trends;
* Encourage meetings and negotiations among growers and buyers;
* Receive and "dispatch" requests from potential buyers from various parts of New Brunswick (concerning U-Pick farms) and external interests on export opportunities;
* Maintain a positive image for the sector.
Technical Advice:
* Arranging information exchange among growers and with technical specialists at field-days and related events;
* Diffusion of information through newsletters and electronic alerts of anticipated outbreaks;
* Advising technical services providers of priority needs of growers.
Training and Resource Material:
* Accessing information from other associations and jurisdictions;
* Encouraging collaboration among local associations and regions to hold courses of interest to growers;
* Ensure the availability of research results, photographs, display material for use at field days, etc.
Research and Development:
* Participate in long-term projects with others for the benefit of the sector, e.g. the seed orchard which is focussed on the selection and production of genetically superior seedlings;
* Arrange for participating tree farms in furthering research and the transfer of new technology;
* Exchange information on finding substitutes to chemical controls of insects and other pests.
Organizational Support:
* Assist and advise local associations whenever possible;
* Host the annual meeting of the Canadian associations every 5-6 year;
* Maintain regional representation and accountability of the provincial body;
* Promote membership and its privileges among members and potential members. |