Associate

Bruce McTavish, M.Sc., MBA, P.Ag., RPBio, CAC

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1977     Bachelor of Science, Biology (B.Sc.)

            Simon Fraser University

1984     Master of Science, Agricultural Mechanics (M.Sc.)

            University of British Columbia

1990     Master of Business Administration (MBA)

            Simon Fraser University (Executive Program)

1987     Professional Agrologist (P. Ag.)

1992     Certificate of Qualification (CQ - Journeyman Designation) “Production Horticulture”

            Province of British Columbia

2001     Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio.)

2001     Certified Agricultural Consultant (CAC)

SUMMARY OF CONSULTING AND INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE:

Mr. McTavish has twenty-five years of industry related experience in the horticulture, agriculture, education, and environmental sectors of British Columbia.  This has included; project management and oversite, development of national and international certification programs in the horticulture industry, survey work, strategic planning, business planning, market assessment and facilitation of industry meetings. In the environmental sector he has been involved in soil and habitat work, soil and land capability assessments, land reclamation and rehabilitation, environmental impact studies and the development of Environmental Guidelines and is an Environmental Farm Planner in BC.  Mr. McTavish is also past president of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, industry relations chair of the horticulture program at Kwantlen University College, Canadian Industry Chair on the North American Plant Protection Organization, and is Chair of the National Task force on Sudden Oak Death. Experience includes:

>   Development of international skill certification and educational programs.

>   Development of Occupational Standards for the Canadian and US Horticulture Industries.

>   Financial and environmental impact appraisal of linear developments, residential and commercial development of agriculture, gravel pits, highways and mines.

>   Inspection and management of large horticulture projects including Metro Seattle Sewage Treatment plant for CH2MHILL and present project management of plant supply for the Golden Ears Bridge Project.

>   Environmental and agricultural impact of vegetable greenhouse construction in Delta.

>   Soil survey and land capability assessment in Pitt Meadows, Delta, Chilliwack and the Okanagan.

>   Development of the Environmental Guidelines for the BC Nursery Industry

>   Development of Biodiversity section of the BC Environmental Farm Planner training program

>   Expert witness in the Supreme Court of British Columbia

PROJECT LIST

Mr. McTavish has been responsible for completing numerous certification, training, business, scientific and technical consulting projects.  Examples of these are listed below (a more detailed list is available on request).

        Training/Certification

B.C. NURSERY TRADES ASSOCIATION

Lead consultant on the development of a Sudden Oak Death certification program for the BC and Canadian Nursery Industry, including development of standards, best management practices, training and delivery of training. This included coordination with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and US regulators and private industry.

BC ROAD CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SAFETY NETWORK

>   Delivery of “COR” owners’ course as part of the overall Certification of Recognition in the BC construction industry.  This is a joint program with WCB for company certification on safety, leading to reductions in WCB premiums.

>   Occupational Analysis for Rock Scalers

>   Rock Scalers Training Strategy

>   Delivery of owner/manager course titled “Safety is Good for Business” ongoing delivery approximately four times per year.

>   Facilitation and writing of strategic plan for the integration of the Road Builders with the Independent Contractors Business Association within the framework of the Safety Network.

BC GREENHOUSE GROWERS ASSOCIATION

>   Strategic planning review and update for industry development and research council.

>   Facilitation of workshop on Pepino Mosaic Virus eradication and management protocols.

BC FRUIT GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Evaluation of options for EUREPGAP Certification, including financial/budget development.

BC AGRICULTURE COUNCIL

Development of Biodiversity study manual and biodiversity risk assessment guide for the Environmental Farm Planning process.

CANADIAN NURSERY TRADES ASSOCIATION

Development of a national certification program for the Canadian ornamental horticulture industry. This includes landscape construction, maintenance, retail and production.

CANADIAN NURSERY TRADES ASSOCIATION

Development of occupational standards for the ornamental horticulture industry.  This required working with industry, workers representatives, provincial apprenticeship departments and HRDC.

CANADIAN NURSERY TRADES ASSOCIATION and ASSOCIATED LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA (now PLANET)

Lead consultant on the development of Certified Landscape Professional designation.  Project includes development of occupational standards, testing material, self study material and work on process of certification, upgrading etc.

GREEN ROOFS FOR HEALTHY CITIES

Lead consultant for the development of a professional accreditation process including occupational standards for the green roof industry.

HortEducation BC

>   In association with Zbeetnoff Agro-Environmental Consultants determination Landscape Nursery Labour Issues, Gaps and Research Needs.

>   In association with Zbeetnoff Agro-Environmental Consultants and NK Consulting develop plan for attracting and retaining skilled and unskilled employees in the BC Landscape and Nursery Industry

UNITED FLOWER GROWERS CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION/BCMAFF

Development and writing of publication titled “Preparing a Business Plan, A Guide for Agricultural Producers, Floriculture example” This is a self study module to be used by new entrants and existing businesses in the floriculture industry in B.C.

UNITED NATIONS/FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION (FAO)

Moderator/Facilitator for international conference and workshop including 180 delegates from 87 countries.  This workshop was on the implementation of ISPM 15, the new international standard for wood packaging materials.

        Association Projects

BC AGRICULTURE COUNCIL (BCAC)/BC NURSERY TRADES ASSOCIATION

Lead environmental farm planner for the BC Nursery Trades Association.  The Environmental Farm Planning process consists of a series of workshops and on farm environmental audits.

BC AGRICULTURE COUNCIL (BCAC)

Analysis of the 2004 Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program in British Columbia. In association with Zbeetnoff Agro-Environmental Consulting. (Client: BC Agriculture Council)

Evaluation of BC Wildlife Damage Compensation Pilot Projects (in association with Zbeetnoff Agri-Environmental Consultants)

BC GREENHOUSE GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Lead consultant with Mr. Darrell Zbeetnoff in preparing Environmental Farm Plans for greenhouse growers in BC.

BC LANDSCAPE NURSERY ASSOCIATION

Lead consultant with Mr. Darrell Zbeetnoff in preparing Environmental Farm Plans for nursery growers in BC.

BC MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE FISHERIES AND FOOD (BCMAF)

>   Review of the agricultural peer environmental service in British Columbia

>   Facilitation of “Greenfund” meetings leading to initial strategic plan

BC ROAD CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SAFETY NETWORK

Facilitation and writing of strategic plan for the association

BC LANDSCAPE & NURSERY ASSOCIATION & BCMAF

Lead consultant on the development of the Environmental Guidelines for Nursery and Turf.

B.C. NURSERY TRADES ASSOCIATION AND UNIVERSITY OF B.C.

Development and implementation of strategic and business plan for privatization of the marketing and royalty collection of new plants developed by the UBC Botanical Garden, plant introduction scheme.

B.C. NURSERY TRADES ASSOCIATION

>   Development of export market strategic and business plan for the BC Nursery industry.

>   Development of strategic and business plan for the development of an ornamental nursery research and innovation council.

>   Consumer research into the buying patterns of lawn and garden products in British Columbia.

>   Detailed study of the competitive position of the British Columbia Nursery Industry with respect to major North American competitors.

BC NURSERY TRADES ASSOCIATION/BCMAF

>   Co-writer for publication titled “Preparing a Business Plan, a Guide for Agricultural Producers NURSERY EXAMPLE”

>   Co-writer with J. Jarvis and Associates of publication titled “Preparing a business plan for Wholesale Nurseries” This is a detailed technical document and software describing all the steps required for the development of a sophisticated business plan.

CANADIAN NURSERY TRADES ASSOCIATION

>   Lead consultant on the development of crop profiles on the Canadian Nursery industry.

>   Lead consultant on operational evaluation, facilitation and development of strategic plan, ongoing analysis of results of action plans and updating of strategic plan.

>   Lead consultant on the development of Nursery Quality Standards program (NQA) for the Canadian ornamental plant industry.  This is an ongoing 5 year project including international research on standards, development, piloting and final implementation of standards in the Canadian nursery industry.

GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

Development of an Economic Strategy for agriculture survival, expansion and profitability in the GVRD and FVRD. 

        Industry Projects - Business

BYLANDS NURSERY LTD.

>   Market research and development of business plan for the implementation of perennial division at Bylands Nursery Ltd.

>   Lead consultant for the facilitation and development of Bylands Nursery Strategic Plan

CANNOR NURSERIES/WESTCOAST ENERGY

Business impact analysis on Nursery due to construction of 36" gas pipeline through property.  Included inventory analysis, appraisal of lost markets, additional manpower requirements and follow-up site inspections.

CONFIDENTIAL CLIENTS

>   Market assessment of potential vegetable plant breeding business in British Columbia

>   Assessment of North American markets for greenhouse vegetables, and ornamentals for conversion of forest seedling nursery to other potential ventures.

>   Business plan development for 100 acre agricultural operation in the Pemberton Valley.

KATO’S NURSERY LTD.

Work with senior management on developing inventory costing methods, inventory tracking, market and sales planning and human resource planning.

KOCH GREENHOUSES

Development of detailed business plan including extensive market research for the construction of a new 20-acre nursery operation

Fort Langley Farmers Group

Financial impact of flooding on agricultural enterprises in Fort Langley

Serpentine Farmers Group

>   Financial impact of flooding on dairy farms in the Serpentine area of Surrey

>   Financial impact of gas pipeline installation on dairy farms in the Serpentine area

SPECIMEN TREES WHOLESALE LTD.

Business impact assessment of highway expropriation of land with approximately 2000 trees planted.  This included a detailed evaluation of the value of the trees being destroyed or removed due to the highway construction through the nursery.

WEST COAST ENERGY INC.

Financial and agriculture impact of pipeline construction on dairy farms in Chilliwack/Agassiz.

        Industry Projects – Technical

BC INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION CENTRE

Detailed financial and inventory analysis of large commercial nursery on behalf of the arbitrator.

CANAGRO – Pacific Lagoons Operation

>   Environmental and agricultural impact of vegetable greenhouse construction at their Delta operation. Including detailed soil survey and land capability assessment.

>   Environmental impact of pipeline construction bringing methane from GVRD garbage dump to Greenhouse boilers.

CRC DEVELOPMENT LTD

Environmental and agricultural impact and mitigation of impacts for proposed Gravel Pit operation within the ALR, east of Kelowna. 

CH2MHILL/METRO SEATTLE

>   Lead horticulture and soils consultants on West Point sewage treatment facility.  This was a five-year project that included the developing bid specifications, supervision of plant production at contracted nurseries and review of onsite landscape construction.  It was the largest landscape project carried out in the Pacific Northwest; total value $US11 million

>   Consultant on bid and proposal review and supervision of contracts for multi-million dollar project landscaping project at West Point in Seattle.  Main duties included analysis of financial strength of bidding companies, evaluation of bids and a detailed point system.  Follow up work has included evaluation of plant quality, inventory tracking at nurseries supplying products and on site trouble shooting with respect to plant and soil problems.

COMINCO

Research and implementation of tailing sand reclamation at Pine Point Mine, NWT.

GOLDEN EAGLE ESTATES

Prepared application for rezoning agricultural land to recreational for development of 18 hole golf course in Pitt Meadows, BC; work included soil survey, land capability assessment, development of drainage plan, soil and turf management plan.

HIGHLAND VALLEY COPPER

Planning, research and operational reclamation of tailings and waste rock, approximately 100 ha annually; research to determine the most cost effective methods of attaining land use objectives. 

LORNEX MINING CORPORATION

Development of Land Use and Reclamation plan; initiation of research program to assess the most suitable end land use for various waste materials; reclamation of all non-active mine areas. 

Mullany/Eaton Farm Pemberton, B.C.

Soil survey and recommendations for production of nursery field crops and forage crops on 200 acre farm in Pemberton, B.C.

RIVERLANDS FARM

Development of agriculture strategy for 1100 acre farm in Pemberton BC. Work included soil survey, land capability assessment, recommendations to improve agricultural capability, potential crops and weed management strategy.

WESTCOAST ENERGY/CHILLIWACK DAIRY FARMS

Business and agricultural impact analysis on numerous dairy farms that were affected by Westcoast Energy's 36" pipeline.  This work included a soil survey on the length of the line through Rosedale and Chilliwack to confirm soil series, soil texture and depth and develop soil reclamation guidelines for the pipeline installation.

WESTMIN RESOURCES

Reclamation planning, Stage II and III.  Reclamation research programs including laboratory and field trials of methods for controlling acid generation from tailings and waste rock deposits. 

SUNCOR – OIL SANDS PROJECT

Extensive work with company staff during the 1980’s on the reclamation of oil sand tailings, including native plant selection, collections, research on propagation and production protocols.

PUBLICATIONS

McTavish, B. and Shopick, T. 1983.  Propagation and Use of Native Woody Plants in Northern Latitudes. p. 151-181 In Proceedings of the Seventh Annual B.C. Mine Reclamation Symposium.

Jones, C.E. and McTavish, B. 1986.  Economic and Biological Feasibility of Native Plants for Land Reclamation in Western Canada. P. 277-295  In Proceedings of 12th Annual Meeting. Canadian Land Reclamation Association. 

McTavish, B. 1986.  Seed Propagation of Some Native Plants is Surprisingly Successful.

American Nurseryman.  V. 164 No. 4, P. 55-63. 

McTavish, B. 1987.  Propagation and Production of Native Plants.  In combined proceedings, International Plant Propagators Society, 1987.

McTavish, B. 1989.  Propagation of Western Natives Under Polyethylene Greenhouses.  In Combined Proceedings International Plant Propagators Society, 1989.

McTavish, B. 1989.  The Role of Skilled Labour in Increased Productivity and Profits.

Hortwest Magazine

McTavish, B. 1990.  Skilled Labour Supply and Horticulture Education Policy in British Columbia. MBA Thesis, Simon Fraser University.

McTavish, B. and Mackay, A. 1991.  Housing and Labour Supply and Demand Study for The B.C. Tree Fruit Industry.  B.C. Fruit Growers Association.

McTavish, B. 1991.  Selection and Establishment of Native Plants for Dryland Areas.  Hortus Northwest

McTavish, B. & B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 1994.  Environmental Guidelines for the Nursery and Turf Industry in British Columbia.  B.C. Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (lead consultants on this project).

McTavish, B. & B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 1997. Preparing a Business Plan, A Guide for Agricultural Producers, Floriculture example.

McTavish, B. and J. Jarvis, 1997. British Columbia’s Nursery Industry Competitiveness Study. Pub. B.C. Nursery Landscape Association.

McTavish, B. and J. Jarvis, 1998. Nursery Export Development Research Results. Pub. B.C. Nursery Landscape Association.

Artimis group 2002. Economic Strategy for Agriculture in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.  Published by GVRD.  (researcher and writer with team of six)

McTavish, B. and D. Zbeetnoff:  2002. Wildlife Damage Survey of the BC Nursery Industry.  Published by BC Agricultural Council, Kelowna B.C.

>   Investigation of Investment Strategies for Addressing BC Agriculture and Wildlife Conflicts. Published by BC Agriculture - Wildlife Advisory Committee.

>   Strategic Profile of the North American Greenhouse Vegetable Industry  Co-authored

>   Biodiversity and Risk to Biodiversity in Agricultural Ecosystems.  Published as part of the Environmental Planner Training Program.