Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan is an effective voice for farmers, say APAS general manager Nial Kuyek and policy manager Doug Faller.
We have been reminded in the past two years of the insecurity and fragility of general farm organizations.
In 1935, farm leaders from across Canada rallied to cries for a strong unified voice for agriculture and formed the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.
In Saskatchewan, a loose coalition of organizations worked under the Co-operative Council banner, becoming the Saskatchewan Federation of Agriculture in 1944. The SFA effectively spoke for farmers provincially and nationally through the CFA, but dissolved in 1984 over differences between member groups, particularly the Crow Rate issue.
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Saskatchewan farmers influenced provincial policy from 1984-98 through the efforts of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and national policy with Alberta and Manitoba pools through CFA.
But when the wheat pool became a publicly traded company in 1996 and abandoned its role as a voice on behalf of farmers, the last vestige of a general farm organization in Saskatchewan was lost.
Farmers were being silenced on key policy issues such as higher handling costs, massive freight rate increases, consistently low commodity prices, high input costs and never-ending trade barriers.
The need for a united voice, heard 75 years ago, still echoed as the new millennium dawned. Trying to fill the void, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities applied for membership in CFA but was rejected, being the third level of government and not a producer organization.
Delegates at SARM’s 1999 annual convention responded by voting to create the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, an arms-length, producer-driven organization to lobby for farmers.
Past-presidents like Terry Hildebrandt and Ken McBride helped build a strong foundation for an organization committed to making farmers heard.
Nationally, APAS fought successfully to revise the Fredericton Formula, which injected an additional $149 million into our rural economy.
Provincially, APAS worked for lower education taxes on farmers and rural landowners.
It was hard work in those early days.
By providing an effective voice for Saskatchewan farmers, APAS’ membership grew to represent nearly 40 percent of producers.
But the organization’s structure was critically flawed: the president and vice-presidents were elected directly by representatives rather than by the board of directors. With an executive not accountable to the board, the groundwork for conflict had been laid.
The 18 months following Ken McBride’s resignation brought APAS to its knees as internal conflicts between board and executive, and the continuing loss of staff, undermined the value of membership in APAS.
Despite the acknowledged need for an effective farm voice, membership dropped as ongoing internal problems caused numerous RMs to withdraw their support.
The flawed governance structure had worked under focused leaders like Terry Hildebrandt and Ken McBride, who put the memberships’ interests ahead of their own. However, the experience of 2006-08 demonstrated that a democratic grass-roots organization could easily fall under lesser leadership.
At the 2008 annual general meeting, RM representatives recognized the need for reform and amended APAS’ constitution to allow the board to elect three executive members. Since then, the board and executive have worked in harmony.
Equally important, it led to effective working relationships with management. The board now focuses on policy and entrusts operations to a group of skilled and experienced professionals.
These fundamental changes stabilized the organization and created a framework of accountability and cooperation.
It’s still hard work to leave the controversies behind, focus on member needs and revitalize the organization when those who do not share our vision for a united agricultural voice continue to attack staff, the board, representatives and APAS itself.
However, with governance changes and operational structures built on teamwork and respect, APAS is moving forward.
On the policy front, APAS has worked hard to put money into farmer’s hands: $40 per head for cattle and hogs in 2009, pasture recovery of $50 per head in 2010 and $30 per acre for excess moisture in 2010.
Farmers also need better safety nets, better rail service, a full freight rate costing review, a rightful share of the food chain value and full value for their carbon credits.
Nationally, APAS works through the CFA on issues affecting livestock and crop producers and is providing input into the CFA’s National Food Strategy.
Organizationally, the new APAS is dedicated to openness, honesty and integrity. APAS representatives have travelled the province to hear concerns and show ratepayers and councils we have turned the corner. As a result, membership has grown 10 percent in the past year.
If we are not capable of responsible democratic action, then who is?
Recent images from Middle Eastern streets show bread loaves clenched in the fists of those agitating for democracy so they can feed themselves.
It is together that we can rise above the naysayers and move forward united to make a better future for our families. Together, our voices can be heard.
