Canadian cherry producers inc.


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CCPI Visions, Mission, Goals, and Objectives  

VISION

Canadian Cherry Producers Inc., a producer-controlled organization, exists to support a thriving and sustainable prairie-centred industry that provides premium University of Saskatchewan cherries to the world.

MISSION

Canadian Cherry Producers Inc.(CCPI), a non-profit organization, will assist  members to successfully grow superior University of Saskatchewan (U of S) cherries on environmentally and financially sustainable farms by providing information and opportunities for joint action in the areas of production, processing, marketing, and research.

CCPI will grow with its members and encourage the development of a sustainable cherry industry in the largest pristine agricultural area in Canada.

GOALS

  1. Develop a cherry industry designed and managed by growers.
  2. Document and share the best practices of members.
  3. Process co-operatively to maintain efficiency and meet quality standards.
  4. Extend the value of the cherries through a common marketing effort.
  5. Support research into relevant aspects of the U of S cherry industry.

OBJECTIVES

Canadian Cherry Producers Inc. has specific objectives as outlined in the Articles of Incorporation. These can only be modified by membership at an annual general meeting that meets the requirements and regulations of incorporation. These objectives are:

  • 2. The objects of the non-profit corporation are:

    1. to promote the development of cherry production and processing industries in Canada based on University of Saskatchewan cherries;
    2. to promote and market cherries and cherry products derived from University of Saskatchewan cherry development programs;
    3. to support University of Saskatchewan cherry development programs;
    4. to research and investigate cherry production, processing and marketing opportunities for its members.

  • 3. The activities of the non-profit corporation are restricted to those activities in furtherance of the objects of the corporation.

    •  CCPI is a dynamic organization that invites member participation. Some of the ideas that follow coincide with the corporation objectives (above) and others need to be considered. Other ideas and objectives for current and future consideration may include:

    　Management

    • Create an environment in which cherry producers work together to manage the industry from the beginning.
    • Maintain the imagination, initiative, and entrepreneurial spirit of individual growers.
    • Establish quality and quantity standards for marketing the cherries.
    • Ensure producers control the product and derive income from each step of the value chain.
    • Allow individual producers to maintain control of their own product.
    • Attract new members to the group.
    • Investigate funding options for long term sustainability of the organization and the industry.
    • Work with other prairie fruit producers and their organizations.
    • Encourage the development of new improved varieties at the U of S through proactive fund raising and grant applications.

    Production Objectives:

    • Identify specific suggestions for planning and best cultural practices of planting, growing, and harvesting (including soil testing, irrigation techniques, plant density, row spacing, diseases, pest management, and maintenance) using information gathered from established growers and researchers.
    • Maintain and update production information.
    • Make production information available to members who are encouraged to offer new ideas for best practice techniques, both successful and unsuccessful techniques. Provide networking opportunities.
    • Establish grading standards for the trademarked products that meet, or exceed, current internationally recognized sour cherry grading standards with an emphasis on the prairie cherry qualities(color, brix, size, origin of variety).
    • Establish a working relationship with the U of S with the long-term goal of variety distribution, propagation, and royalty collection.

    Processing Objectives:

    • Apply for grants for processing studies.
    • Study the feasibility of regional primary processing plants (PPPs).
      • cooling, sorting, grading, pitting, scanning (for pits), freezing (IQF and bulk), and storage (regional and centralized).
      • Create designs for a primary processing plant that meets or exceeds Canadian Food Inspection regulations.
      • Link the product to the producer; (IP) identity preservation.
      • Meet the needs of both organic and non-organic regulatory bodies.
      • the PPP template should meet or exceed Kosher and Halal requirements
    • Identify processing steps for different cherry products using the U of S Food Industry Development Center and test in local outlets.
    • Recommend optimum future development of PPPs to the benefit of the growers.
    • Identify whether PPP’s or centralized processing or a combination is most advantageous to growers

    Marketing Objectives:

    • Establish trademark(s) and identify long-term goals for marketing the branded products.
    • Identify specific markets for the members’ products.
      • name specific contacts and associations including gourmet chefs, bakeries, and organic retailers.
      • initiate studies for primary and secondary products.
    • Investigate product labeling to meet Canadian standards.
    • Identify the export requirements of Canadian food products, and food import regulations of specific nations.
    • Investigate the feasibility of a "virtual warehouse" website which may include:
      • information on products (organic, chemical-free, etc.); product attributes…);
      • an inventory of products for sale;
      • ordering options with shipping instructions and costs;
      • profiles of growers and their operations – putting a "face" on the product; a "Members’ Area" including information on production and other proprietary information.
    • preserve the identity of growers and their farms through the marketing process.

    Organic Objectives:

    • Review the best practices from the Production Committee and identify for growers any modifications they may adopt if considering organic production
    • Identify the overall requirements for organic production
    • Site selection, materials used, care & maintenance, harvesting, handling, and processing.
    • Identify the various organic registration organizations
    • Identify other issues that organic growers may encounter