Action teams have started developing plans to deal with key agricultural issues identified during Alberta’s Ag Summit.
Alberta Agriculture officials said in a news release that leaders were recently appointed for most of the 17 teams that were formed during the summit.
Many of the teams have started to draft recommendations that address issues like farmers’ marketing choices, long-term profitability and infrastructure in rural communities.
Two teams have yet to have leaders appointed: the Science-based Standards for Intensive Livestock Operations team and the Competitiveness in a Global Market team. Implementing the draft Intensive Livestock Operations regulations was one of the top priorities identified at the summit.
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The summit began in February with leaders crossing the province for five months talking to producers and industry representatives about agricultural concerns. Action teams were formed at the two-day wrap-up session in June.
Teams have until March 2001 to come up with a final plan. Team leaders are:
- Agri-industry Entrepreneurship Centre of Excellence: Keith Jones, Alberta Value Added Corporation.
- Research Centres of Excellence: Ralph Christian, Alberta Agriculture Research Institute.
- Centre of Export Excellence: Mike Leslie interim leader, Nakodo Consulting.
- Recognition of the Importance of Agriculture: Edith Svanes, Alberta Association of Agriculture Societies.
- Image Of Agriculture: Agriculture and Food Council.
- Environmental Stewardship Incentive Program: Gordon Kerr and Ernie Ewaschuk, Land Stewardship Centre of Canada.
- Provincial Land Use Strategy: Peter Aschenmeire, farmer; Candace Vanin, Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration; Len Fullen, Alberta Agriculture.
- Retention of Land for Agriculture: Alberta government.
- Science-based Standards for Intensive Livestock Operations: Not yet determined.
- Infrastructure in Rural Communities: Rod Scarlett, Wild Rose Agricultural Producers.
- Long-Term Farm Profitability and Sustainability: Greg Rockafellow, Western Barley Growers Association.
- Alleviate Tax Burdens: Robert Meijer, Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
- Attract Equity Financing to Primary Agriculture and Agri-industry in Alberta: George Jones, Farm Credit Corporation (retired).
- Alberta Farmers Have Marketing Choice: Ken Motiuk, Alberta Grain Commission.
- Competitiveness in a Global Market: Not yet determined.
