| | Following a two-year review, new regulations are being drafted for 2009, with further revisions possible for 2010.
For decades, agricultural Boards and Commissions have been part of the regulatory landscape of the Alberta agricultural industry. During those years, the nature of how the Boards and Commissions work has evolved to meet changes taking place in the broader industry.
The latest cycle of change for the province’s 20 agricultural Boards and Commissions (see sidebar) began in 2006. At that time, then-Minister Doug Horner asked the Agricultural Products Marketing Council, which supervises the Boards and Commissions, to review how these structures are set up and how they operate.
“This was to be the first official review of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, the legislation that provides the authority for the Boards and Commissions, since 1987,” says Freda Molenkamp-Oudman, the Marketing Council’s Manager, Projects and Policy. “Clearly, the needs and priorities of farmers and ranchers had changed a lot during those intervening years, and the then–Minister Horner wanted this reflected in the Boards and Commissions.”
While the 1987 review was driven largely by the provincial government, the then- Minister specifically directed that the 2006 review produce recommendations that were led and endorsed by producers.
Over the following two years, the Marketing Council held several workshops where producers and other stakeholders could communicate their views. This process eventually gathered submissions from more than 400 stakeholders, including individuals, Boards and Commissions themselves, resource providers and national organizations.
The Marketing Council also engaged market research firm Ipsos Forward to survey Alberta producers on government issues relating to the Boards and Commissions. Farmers and ranchers contributed their views on producer involvement, perceived value of the Boards and Commissions and perceived value of the producer levies that support them.
In June 2008, the Marketing Council delivered more than 50 recommendations to Minister George Groeneveld regarding changes to the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act.
Changes coming for 2009
Molenkamp-Oudman is quick to point out the broader context for this review. In the business, government and non-profit sectors, there has been in recent years an increased emphasis on the quality of corporate governance and the responsibilities of board members.
“Many of the proposed changes are designed to achieve better board governance,” says Molenkamp-Oudman. “Some of the recommendations will be implemented during 2009 through expected changes to the Act, while others are broader policy questions that require further deliberation.”
Some of the 50 recommendations include issues such as:
- establishing the most effective Board size, with eight to 12 members believed to be about right;
- selecting members based on skills they can contribute to the Board, not just based on the geographical area they represent;
- term limits for members;
- a code of ethics and code of conduct for members; and
- confidentiality provisions for members.
Changes on the drawing board for 2010
While a number of recommendations can be implemented for 2009, Molenkamp-Oudman notes that other, more policy-related provisions require further deliberation.
These include issues such as:
- clarifying the definition of a producer;
- clarifying membership eligibility (right now, only producers may be members); and
- determining whether Boards and Commissions should be producer-only organizations, or should perhaps aim for a broader, value-chain identity.
Know your Boards and Commissions
These are the 20 agricultural Boards and Commissions that operate under the authority of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act.
| Alberta Barley Commission | Alberta Beef Producers |
| Alberta Beekeepers | Bison Producers of Alberta |
| Alberta Milk | Alberta Pork |
| Potato Growers of Alberta | Alberta Turkey Producers |
| Alberta Sugar Beet Growers | Alberta Elk Commission |
| Alberta Egg Producers Board | Alberta Chicken Producers |
| Alberta Canola Producers Commission | Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission |
| Alberta Peace Region Forage Seed Growers | Alberta Hatching Egg Marketing Board |
| Alberta Pulse Growers Commission | Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission |
| Alberta Soft Wheat Producers Commission | Alberta Vegetable Growers (Processing) |
“We ask a lot of these organizations,” says Molenkamp-Oudman, “so it’s important that the governance of the Boards and Commissions meets the needs of the industry. In many cases, over time, Boards and Commissions have become operational organizations rather than the more strategic-minded bodies envisioned by the Act. We believe it’s important that the Boards and Commissions focus on strategy while their staff handles day-to-day operations.”
For more information on the Agricultural Products Marketing Council and the province’s agricultural Boards and Commissions, please contact Freda Molenkamp-Oudman at 780-644-1507 (dial 310-0000 for toll free) or email freda.molenkamp-oudman@gov.ab.ca. |
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