Linking the value chain
By Teresa Falk
Zacland Dairy is just one link in the Manitoba organic dairy value chain.
Approximately three years ago Conrad and Val Zacharias, owners of Zacland Dairy, joined forces with four other organic dairy producers to form the Manitoba Organic Milk Co-operative. This co-op is participating in a Value Chain Manitoba Initiative project, along with a marketing partner, processor, distributor, retail partners and a producer association.
“We realize we’re part of a long chain and we want to have a good relationship with all the other players in the chain. We want to maintain communication and work together on marketing, promotion and education,” said Conrad Zacharias. “So creating a value chain just made sense.”
The Value Chain Manitoba Initiative is a collaboration initiated by the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council (MRAC) and supported by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) to encourage and assist Manitoba’s agri-food industry to respond to the marketplace.
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Value Chains 101: What they are and how they can boost your business
A free video-conference coming
to a location near you!
The Value Chain Manitoba Initiative is hosting a two-part Value Chains 101 Video-conference on October 13 at the MFPA/Urban GO office (Unit #13 – 59 Scurfield Blvd) in Winnipeg. These two three-hour sessions will be available at various videoconference sites across the province free of charge. If you are unfamiliar with value chains, or have heard a bit and want to learn more, this is the perfect workshop for you!
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the five W’s of creating successful value chains: Who, What, When, Where and Why. Business consultant Terry Ackerman will facilitate both sessions.
Part 1 – 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Using real-life examples, Terry will explain what value chains are, the difference between supply chain management and value chain management, and how more businesses across the agri-food industry are using the value chain business model to collaborate and gain a competitive edge.
Part 2 – 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Terry will explain how to start a value chain and help participants understand the various elements required to launch a successful value chain.
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Fall Workshops
Module 5: Understanding
Category Management
November 2, Steinbach, MB*
Module 6: Product Development:
Are You Market Ready?
November 3, Steinbach, MB*
Module 3: Market Intelligence:
Gathering and Planning For New Product Introductions
November 19, Brandon, MB*
Module 4: Partnering and
Collaboration: How To
Approach Retailers
November 20, Brandon, MB*
*Various video-conference sites available.
To learn more about these modules and to register for a workshop visit the VCMI website at