Agricultural Service Boards (ASB) are rooted in local decision-making. Each ASB reflects the agricultural conditions, priorities and relationships of its municipality. However, many of the issues raised through ASB resolutions—such as pest management, agricultural extension, rural veterinary capacity, water, land use and federal regulation—cannot be resolved by one municipality acting alone.
They require a credible collective voice, reliable communication and sustained working relationships with governments and agricultural partners.
Alberta’s municipal and agricultural resolution processes have not always operated as they do today. In 1967, the Agricultural Service Boards and what is now Rural Municipalities of Alberta separated their resolution processes because of their different relationships with the provincial government.
RMA is an independent association that represents and advocates for the interests of its municipal members. Agricultural Service Boards have responsibilities established in provincial legislation and work closely with the Government of Alberta to deliver programs and implement legislation. As a result, ASBs often operate in a collaborative and advisory role, bringing detailed local knowledge of agricultural legislation, programs and producer needs into provincial discussions.
The Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee helps connect those local responsibilities to provincial action. It represents the common interests and diversity of Alberta’s ASBs, advances provincially approved resolutions, communicates government responses and provides grassroots advice on agricultural policies and programs.
The Committee’s structure has continued to evolve. An ASB Program review led to the recommendation to establish a provincial committee following major changes to provincial agricultural extension and the closure of rural agriculture offices. Once established, the Committee adopted longer member terms and began working with provincial ASB Program staff on the annual Report Card on the Resolutions.
A further ASB Program review in 2017 informed the Committee’s 2020 Strategic Plan. That plan helped guide the Committee through a period of changing provincial programs, research and extension services.
The 2026 strategic planning process is another important step in that evolution—and differs in that it is the first one motivated and led by the ASBPC.
It is also the first to seek direct input from all of the groups that influence, deliver or support the provincial ASB system: ASB members, the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen, municipal councils, Rural Municipalities of Alberta and provincial ASB Program staff.
That breadth of participation matters.
ASBs operate differently across Alberta. Some are composed entirely of council members, while others include public members. Municipalities also have different approaches to setting priorities, communicating with councils and developing resolutions. The goal of strategic planning is not to make every ASB operate in the same way. It is to understand where ASBs share common needs, where important differences exist and how the Provincial Committee can represent both effectively.
The survey will help clarify the Committee’s purpose, role, limits and value. It will also identify communication gaps, priorities and the capacity required to support a stronger and more effective ASB system.
The survey is not a vote, and respondents are not being asked to establish a formal position for their municipality or organization. They are being asked to contribute what they know from their own role and experience.
The survey closes July 15, 2026. Results will be summarized and used to inform the Committee’s in-person strategic planning session on August 18 at the RMA office in Leduc.
A stronger provincial ASB voice begins with informed participation. Complete the survey and encourage other ASB members, staff and municipal councillors to contribute.
Participate in the 2026 ASBPC Strategic Planning Survey by July 15.
Questions can be directed to your Regional ASBPC Representative, or the asbpc_ea@agriculturalserviceboards.com
More information: Participate in the 2026 ASBPC Survey: Share Your Insights
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