2023 Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference

by Sebastien Dutrisac, C.C.A., C.A.F.

OnJanuary 17- 19 2023, around 400 Agricultural Service Board (ASB) members and ag producers met in Grande Prairie Alberta for their annual conference. The purpose of the Conference and ASB Provincial Committee is to achieve a collective voice for ASBs across Alberta that would facilitate and represent both the diversity and the commonalities of Alberta’s agricultural producers. During the conference, Alberta’s ASB debated resolutions that were carried forward from the five regional ASB conferences in 2022.

The approved 14 new resolutions will now be forwarded by the ASB Provincial Committee to the appropriate government department and agencies so the parties involve can address challenges the ag industry through a collaborative effort. This year’s resolution identified such items as

• Veterinary shortages in Alberta

• The sustainability of local applied agricultural research

• The impact of elk and grizzlies on agricultural production and producers

• Water management and drainage

• The impact of solar and wind industrial development on agricultural land

• Federal agricultural fertilizer emission goals

• Weed and Pest control

• Land and Property Rights Tribunal

These resolutions will involve the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and through the Ministry, engage agencies and ministries such as Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada, Alberta Energy Regulators, Alberta Utility Commission, Alberta Fish and Wildlife, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation and so many more on behalf of Alberta Producers. Through the years, the agriculture sector evolved and programs and services must change to meet those needs. It is through producers’ engagement that the ministries and agencies get first hand accounts on how we can assure Alberta’s Agricultures sustainability.