The Alberta and British Columbia seed growers’ associations are amalgamating.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Kelly Chambers, executive director of the new Alberta British Columbia Seed Growers (ABCSG).
Chambers said the move will be especially beneficial to be able to market seed products from both provinces.
The move will join the more than 700 Alberta members with the 24 in B.C. Chambers said the amalgamation could provide a boost to B.C. growers.
“(B.C.) didn’t have sufficient funding to have a staff person so by amalgamating with Alberta, now they have the ability to have the one office provide information and support. They’ve got somewhere they can call,” she said.
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A B.C.-based member has been appointed to the 12-member board to represent the province’s growers.
“It provides (B.C.) with more robust marketing opportunities along with advocacy,” Chambers said of joining the two groups. “We’ve got an information program and now we can tap into the B.C. membership to make sure they are getting information and they’ve also got a place to send information to put back out to the greater membership.”
In the face of rising costs, the move will also provide fiscal benefits.
The amalgamation follows a year and a half of talks and a member vote last month.
Chambers said the amalgamated group will be working on developing the communication portion on the B.C.-side, including on the government side.
ABCSG will become the local link to the national Canadian Seed Growers Association.
ABCSG’s new website is abcseedgrowers.ca.
