The ASB Provincial Committee Strategic plan has a goal for “Ensuring success though collaboration” which recognizes that the voice of agriculture or farming is stronger when when there is alignment. Since then the ASB Provincial Committee has continued to look for opportunities to connect with other agricultural industry groups on matters of mutual concern.
On February 20th the ASB Provincial Committee hosted a delegation from Team Alberta Crops and the Intensive Livestock Working Group. The session provided an opportunity to create a common understanding of the priorities and mandates and find ways to collaborate for the benefit of farmers and municipalities.
Ways to Collaborate
There are a number of campaigns and extension related opportunities happening that ASBs are encouraged to add to their local communications where appropriate:
Alberta Beef Producers:
ABP to host dedicated traceability discussion : Mon, March 2, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel. Alberta cattle producers are invited to attend in person or virtually. Registration is required (found in the above link).
Alberta BeeKeepers Commission:
Technology Transfer Program Team has a number of webinars and in person training/learning opportunities coming up: https://www.albertabeekeepers.ca/tech-transfer-program/
Alberta Grains
Promote 4R nutrient stewardship via the “Make Your Acres Count” campaign in partnership with Fertilizer Canada. Opportunity for local Agrologists and Ag-Retailers obtain a 4R Nutrient Stewardship Designation, and work with local farms to complete a 4R Nutrient Management Plan.
Participate in transportation and rail advocacy through with Community Rail Advocacy Alliance (CRAA) https://railforward.ca
Intensive Livestock Working Group
Invite the ILWG to attend your next ASB meeting with Stock Talks. As part of ILWG’s Public Trust Project, Stock Talks aims to introduce local food producers to municipal officials and foster open, constructive dialogue about opportunities, benefits and shared concerns.
Background
The role of Agricultural Service Boards and the Commodity Boards and Marketing Commissions have gradually changed since 2004 when rural provincial offices were closed and the District Agriculturalists positions were eliminated. These roles continue to evolve as the impacts of the restructure of agriculture research and extension services out of the Provincial Government since 2019.
The role of the industry associations and the ASB programs to be a technical resource for farmers and the public has been increasing. There is growing expectations to interpret complex regulations, address urban–rural tensions, and provide trusted technical advice from all parties. In addition the importance of the industry groups and ASBs in providing grassroots feedback from remote locations is increasing. To do this effectively, sharing of information and collaborating on campaigns is beneficial.
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