Quebec City, Canada has been chosen as the site for the 10th North American Agroforestry Conference in 2007. The AFTA Board of Directors gave preliminary approval to the proposal submitted by Alain Olivier of the Departement de phytologie to host the conference at a special meeting in early December. This will be the third time the biennial conference series has been held in Canada (after Guelph, 1989, and Regina, 2001).
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Chateau Frontenac, built in 1893, is a familiar landmark in the historic section of Quebec City (Photo: E. Merwin) |
Venue
Laval University is only ten minutes from downtown Quebec City, a very nice touristic city where all facilities can be found (hotels, restaurants, touristic activities, etc.). A shuttle service would be organized between downtown Quebec City and Laval University, but there are also hotels and restaurants at a walking distance from the university for those who would prefer to be close from the location of the conference.
Although French is the language of Quebec, what gives it a unique character, English will be the official language of the conference. Simultaneous translation will be provided for any presentations in French.
Co-Sponsors
During the next two years, the conference organizers will work to secure commitments of support from both government (federal and provincial) and private sources. Some possible supporters that have been identified so far include the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Environment, Wildlife Foundation, Research Center on Maple Products, Private Foundations, etc. In 2005, the AFTA Board will review progress toward securing adequate funding for the 10th conference.
Field Tours
There are good opportunities for field trips within a one hour drive from Quebec City. This includes forest farming systems on both privately-owned farms and experimental plots. Farms or research sites growing yew (Taxus canadensis), medicinal crops, mushrooms, and maple products, for example, could be easily visited. There are also some riparian areas that have been restored using trees, windbreaks, and intercropping on private farms close to Quebec City. If there is sufficient interest, the organizers may present a special symposium on forest farming during the conference.