Alberta Pork producers voted to eliminate delegates from the board table after the group struggled to find producers to fill the positions.
With only four of the nine delegate positions of Alberta Pork filled, producer Bryan Perkins suggested pork producers have little interest in serving as delegates.
“We’re having trouble getting people to be interested in standing as delegates,” said Perkins, a Wainwright pork producer.
“Our industry is so changed from when Alberta Pork started and we had 45 delegates,” he said.
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With only 370 pork producers left in the province and improved communication, there is little need for nine delegates and eight directors around the boardroom table.
“It’s time for a change,” said Perkins.
John Middel, an Alberta Pork delegate from Rocky Mountain House, opposed the elimination of delegates.
He said the cost of delegates is minimal in Alberta Pork’s budget and they provide good feedback to directors. The delegate role also provides good leadership training for becoming a director.
“You get an inkling of how the government works,” he said.
Alberta Pork director Jacqueline Hamoen also opposed the elimination of delegates. Hamoen was a delegate for two years before becoming a director and said the time in that position was valuable training for her present position.
“If I wasn’t in the job earlier I would have been hesitant to join with both feet,” said Hamoen of Vega.
In the end, producers voted 21 to 14 in favour of eliminating the delegates.
Alberta Pork chair Jim Haggins said it’s likely the board will proceed with changes in the marketing plan to eliminate the delegates.
