The Olds College Horticulture Program will be hosting its first employer's presentation morning on February 2, 2017. The presentation concept was developed from discussions at the Horticulture Industry Advisory Committee meeting on December 1, 2016 evolving into a "speed" presentation format. The format structure provides each employer 10 minutes to promote their organization and 5 minutes for student's question. Students attending the presentations will be from the first year (Certificate), second year (Diploma) and third year (Bachelor of Applied Science) Horticulture Programs. After the morning presentations, accommodations will be made for employers to have one-on-one sessions with students seeking further information and opportunities to provide resumes.

 

The Olds College Horticulture Program is seeking to have 12 employers representing a broad range of sectors from the horticulture industry to participate as presenters, which leads to selection of potential presenter organizations not being based on a first come, first serve basis.

 

For those organizations interested in participating in the event, please respond by January 27, 2016 to

Beginning January 1, 2017, the Government of Alberta has implemented the well-publicized carbon levy.  On 31st December, they announced plans to offer a Greenhouse Growers' Rebate allowing operators to recoup up to 80% of the carbon levy paid for heating growing facilities. This will be a two year program. The announcement can be found here.

 

This is great news as it allows Alberta-based growers to maintain a level playing field with growers in other jurisdictions (including BC, who also have a rebate program for their carbon tax).  

 

The Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association (AGGA) was instrumental in advocating on behalf of the collective horticultural industry. With the services of De Paoli & Associates, AGGA was able to engage the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment & the rural caucus committee to make a strong case for the rebate. 

 

At this time, there are no details available about the administration of the rebate, eligibility, payment frequency, or reporting mechanisms. The government hopes to have these details in place by the end of January. 

 

The AGGA will continue to work with the Government of Alberta on this and will communicate details when available. If you have comments or suggestions on the program implementation, please direct these to your Landscape Alberta office or board members.

As a reminder, here are the announced rates being added to major fuel types.

Source: Alberta Treasury Board and Finance
Type of Fuel	January 1, 2017 $20/tonne	January 1, 2018 $30/tonne
Marked farm fuels	Exempt	Exempt
Diesel	+5.35 ¢/L	+2.68 ¢/L
Gasoline	+4.49 ¢/L	+2.24 ¢/L
Natural Gas	+1.011 $/GJ	+0.506 $/GJ
Propane	+3.08 ¢/L	+1.54 ¢/L