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Dominican Republic Industry Field Study Tour

Agriculture, Ecology & Land Use Practices

Are you looking for a business opportunity rather than just a holiday?

If you'd like to escape the Canadian winter, but sun, surf and sand alone aren't quite your thing, then this two-week AgriEco-tour is for you! Olds College has partnered with the Universidad Agroforestal Fernando Arturo De Merino (UAFAM) in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, to provide you with an opportunity to network with others interested in protecting land quality and advancing agricultural markets. Observe agricultural and horticultural activities in the mountains, on the grasslands, and in the forests of the Dominican Republic. You will visit traditional small farms, large primary production operations, organic plantations and value added ventures, and observe what some Domincans are doing to address complex consequences of agriculture and other land development. You will also have the opportunity to attend a networking evening with Dominican agri-businessmen and government officials. You will learn about the Canada-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement Negotiations and how a Canada-DR FTA would benefit the agricultural market access for goods, services and investment.

But it's not all work! There will also be some time to experience the Dominican Republic's wide array of recreational activities such as white water rafting, hiking, golfing, whale watching and even a little time at the beach! Talk to your accountant about the tax benefits of this business development opportunity.

It is recommended that participants be of moderate physical fitness as this tour may encompass walking distances up to 5 km, occasionally on rough terrain. Please be sure to bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

Dates: February 2010

Accompanying Resource Personnel: The tour will be lead by Olds College Ecology Instructor, Dr. Darrell Tompkins and UAFAM Instructor and Soil Conservationist, Pedro Benoit.

Orientation: There will be an orientation evening prior to the tour. You can attend one of two scheduled sessions, dates to be announced. During these sessions we will discuss the culture of the Dominican Republic, details of the sites to be visited, itinerary, travel arrangements, health matters and insurance coverage.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY:

Day 1: Our departure day - we will spend the whole day traveling. The flight from Calgary directly to Puerto Plata takes about six hours. We will then load onto a bus and journey three hours south to the mountains and the city of Jarabacoa. Unfortunately it gets dark at about the time we arrive to Puerto Plata, so you won't get to see much of the beautiful countryside...yet!

Days 2-11: We will spend the next few days in and around the city of Jarabacoa with our hosts Universidad Agroforestal Fernando Arturo De Merino (UAFAM) visiting the following:

Cultural / Architectural City Tour
Botanic Garden Tour
Agri-Business / Dept of Agriculture Networking Evening

We will also have 1-2 days free to participate in some recreational activities (white water rafting, canyoning, hiking, golfing, shopping, or just networking with your new friends and fellow agri-businessmen).

Day 12: Time to head to the coast, stopping at the Cultural Museum in Santiago along the way.

Days 13-15: These last couple days will be spent on the beach. You will be free to participate in activities of your choice on days 13 & 15 (beach, golf, fishing, snorkeling). On day 14 we have built in a trip to Samana to spend the day whale watching.

Day 15: Depart for home in the evening.

Registration Information

Location: Dominican Republic
Date: February 2010
Approximate Cost: $5000 per person (based on double occupancy)


Cost Includes: tuition, airfare, accommodation, transfers, all surface travel, and meals (except lunches on free days). A deposit of $500 is required with the registration form. There is a $200 withdrawal fee prior to the final payment date. Final payment is due December 1st, 2009. Please see the Refund Policy section for withdrawal / refund procedures and liabilities. Fees are based on the information available at the time of print and are subject to change to reflect any changes in currency rates, airfares, or land costs. There are possibilities of decreases or increases, and any changes will be reflected on the final payment and passed on to the participant. All fees are based on double occupancy.

Refund Policy: Up to the final payment date, a cancellation fee of $200 will apply. After the final payment date, the amount of refund will depend on the amount recoverable from the tour operators. We highly recommend insurance.

 

 

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