Alberta alfalfa growers are hoping a co-ordinated approach to their industry will give the niche market a boost.
They have formed the Alfalfa Seed Commission, the newest producer organization in the province.
General manager Michelle Gietz said the commission is an initiative of the Alberta Irrigated Alfalfa Producers Association.
“It’s a small industry and they felt there’s a lot of potential in the industry and wanted to look for ways to establish it,” said Gietz.
Under the commission, alfalfa seed producers in all regions of Alberta except the Peace River region will pay a 1.25 percent sales checkoff on alfalfa seed sales. The commission will use the money to fund at least two research projects each year, cover administration costs, promote the industry and help offset conference expenses.
Alfalfa producers in the Peace River region of Alberta already pay a checkoff for their alfalfa seed to the Peace Forage Seed Commission.
The commission has started research on registered herbicides and fungicides in alfalfa plots.
There are about 80 alfalfa seed producers in Alberta.
