The Estevan Chamber of Commerce learned more about innovations in the crop pesticide and bio-technology sector, and the significance of agriculture to the Canadian economy, during the chamber's monthly meeting on October 10.

Janice Tranberg, who is the vice-president for western Canada for CropLife Canada, was the guest speaker. Tranberg works with western provincial governments and stakeholders to increase the awareness and understanding on the value of plant science innovations. Tranberg offered a look at the regional impact of farming. The Prairie provinces are major producers of field crops, she said, as the total production is valued at almost $17 billion annually.

"The increase in production for all crops each year … due to the use of pesticides and plant biotech is worth about $5.6 billion for farmers in the Prairies," Tranberg said.

When representatives from CropLife speak to school students, the young people can't come up with a product that isn't created partly due to agriculture. That's a reflection of the industry's value to Canada, she said.

Thanks to crop protection products and plant biotechnology, Tranberg said Canadian farmers have been able to produce enough food to meet the growing global demand for food, without significantly increasing the amount of land they cultivate.

Other highlights from the meeting:

*The Chamber has started work on its business directory. Businesses are being asked to make any necessary changes on forms, and to return the forms to the Chamber.

*President Dennis Bode said the Estevan Showcase business expo was very successful, as attendance was close to last year. He encourages people to be part of the event next year.

*The Souris Valley Museum is seeking board members for its own board. Currently the museum's board falls under the jurisdiction of the Chamber.

*Provincial Minister of the Economy Bill Boyd will be at the Days Inn's Taylorton Room for a luncheon on Friday, October 26. The event starts at 11:30 a.m. Boyd will discuss the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth that is being introduced by the provincial government.

*The next meeting will be Wednesday, November 14 at the ATCO Lodge east of Estevan. Police Chief Del Block will be the guest speaker.