HIGH RIVER, Alta. — Unifarm is prepared to put itself on the dissection table if that’s what it takes to form a general farm organization in Alberta.
It’s willing to change its constitution, even change the name and executive to get an association that represents all farmers, said Roy Jensen, president of Unifarm.
“We know very well … we’ve got to look after the farmers’ interests and that’s what counts. We’re willing to change in any way.”
During provincial meetings, the group heard most farmers are in favor of some form of farmer organization. How it might be funded and who might actually do the work is up to farmers.
Read Also
Animal protection delivery to change in Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan government is looking for a new agency to handle animal welfare after Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan decided not to renew its contract next year.
Unifarm has been plagued with declining memberships and a shrinking budget. Many of the province’s commodity groups have either pulled out or refused to join because of policy differences.
Jensen said issues like property taxes and safety nets that affect all farmers could be lobbied by a united group.
Besides providing research for farmers and lobbying politicians, a general organization could operate the farmer’s advocate office or run farmer information services.
Aid government decisions
Even agriculture minister Walter Paszkowski said he believes a general farm organization is needed to aid government decisions.
Like many organizations, money is a limiting factor. Checkoffs have been suggested at the farmer meetings as a way of funding a unified organization.
One suggestion has been to add a $10 fee to farm vehicle license plates. That could raise about $1.5 million, more than double the amount Unifarm now raises through memberships of individuals and commodity groups.
Another suggestion was a checkoff on farm fuel purchases.
