| | Preface | Minister's Accountability Statement | Message from the Minister | Management's responsibility for reporting | Overview | Results analysis | Financial statements
Preface
Public Accounts 2006-2007
The Public Accounts of Alberta are prepared in accordance with the Financial Administration Act and the Government Accountability Act. The Public Accounts consist of the annual report of the Government of Alberta and the annual reports of each of the 20 Ministries.
The annual report of the Government of Alberta released June 21, 2007, contains the Minister of Finance’s accountability statement and the consolidated financial statements of the Province. The Measuring Up report released June 28, 2007, provides a comparison of the actual performance results to the desired results set out in the government’s business plan.
This annual report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food contains the Minister’s accountability statement, the audited consolidated financial statements of the Ministry and a comparison of actual performance results to desired results set out in the Ministry business plan. This Ministry annual report also includes:
- the financial statements of entities making up the Ministry including the Department of Agriculture and Food, regulated funds and provincial agencies for which the Minister is responsible,
- other financial information as required by the Financial Administration Act and Government Accountability Act, either as separate reports or as a part of the financial statements, to the extent that the Ministry has anything to report, and
- financial information relating to trust funds.
Minister’s Accountability Statement
The Ministry’s annual report for the year ended March 31, 2007, was prepared under my direction in accordance with the Government Accountability Act and the government’s accounting policies. All of the government’s policy decisions as at September 7, 2007, with material economic or fiscal implications of which I am aware have been considered in the preparation of this report.
[Original signed by]
George Groeneveld
Minister of Agriculture and Food
September 7, 2007
Message from the Minister
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development – now Agriculture and Food (AF) – had a very busy and productive year in 2006-2007. I am pleased to report we met or exceeded the majority of our performance measures as outlined in our business plan.
The Ministry committed $261 million to assist producers whose operations were impacted by rising input costs and falling commodity prices, as part of a disaster declaration issued by the province.
In addition, we committed $70 million to supplement the support provided to agricultural producers under the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program. This Alberta-only initiative will help to address ongoing concerns about the effects of back-to-back disasters in agriculture.
Numerous initiatives focused on keeping Alberta at the forefront. The Ministry committed, with the Government of Canada, nearly $40 million in Alberta’s beef industry to help accelerate the elimination of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from Alberta’s cattle herds.
This marketing work is supported by our efforts to enhance agri-food traceability systems for all species. These systems will achieve emergency management for food safety and public health events, and provide swifter border reopening and market access.
We also ensured that Alberta’s agricultural research capacity will continue to grow, for example, by committing $30 million to upgrade the province’s greenhouse facilities and to purchase research lands.
With the growing focus on alternate energy, this government committed $239 million over the next five years. This will help position Alberta as a leader in producing renewable energy from organic materials, producing environmentally friendly products and creating markets and process opportunities for Alberta’s agriculture industry.
We continued to support and promote the province’s rural communities by initiating the $100 million Rural Alberta’s Development Fund for distribution to rural initiatives across the province. The Fund is now under the auspices of the Ministry of Employment, Immigration and Industry.
We served Albertans, province-wide, through a number of initiatives, including:
- the Canada-Alberta Farm Water Program
- ongoing support to Alberta’s 285 rural agricultural societies for rodeos, fairs and exhibitions across the province
- the new Alberta Soil Information Viewer, available on Alberta Agriculture’s website
Consolidating and revising three previous acts, we introduced the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act to facilitate fair commerce, increase the protection available for livestock buyers and promote the integrity of marketing practices within the industry.
We supported Alberta’s barley producers’ desire for marketing choice. Seventy-eight per cent of Alberta’s barley farmers voted, in the federal government’s barley plebiscite, for the freedom to choose where they sell their product.
Promoting Alberta internationally, we met with representatives from Canada, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, Korea, China, India, New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia to press for increased market access for all products, elimination of export subsidies and substantial reductions in trade-distorting domestic subsidies.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food had an exciting year, filled with achievement, change and challenges. As always, our dedicated staff worked hard to ensure the success of our initiatives. I would like to thank our staff, our partners and our stakeholders for their on-going efforts and continued commitment to Alberta’s agriculture industry.
Sincerely,
[Original signed by]
George Groeneveld
Minister, Agriculture and Food
Management’s Responsibility for Reporting
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food includes:
- Department of Agriculture and Food
- Agriculture Financial Services Corporation
- Alberta Grain Commission
- The Office of the Farmers’ Advocate
- Irrigation Council
- Agricultural Products Marketing Council
The executives of the individual entities within the Ministry have the primary responsibility and accountability for the respective entities. Collectively, the executives ensure the Ministry complies with all relevant legislation, regulations and policies.
Ministry business plans, annual reports, performance results and the supporting management information are integral to the government’s fiscal and business plans, annual report, quarterly reports and other financial and performance reporting.
Responsibility for the integrity and objectivity of the consolidated financial statements and performance results for the Ministry rests with the Minister of Agriculture and Food. Under the direction of the Minister, I oversee the preparation of the Ministry’s annual report, including consolidated financial statements and performance results. The consolidated financial statements and the performance results, of necessity, include amounts that are based on estimates and judgments. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the government’s stated accounting policies.
As Deputy Minister, in addition to program responsibilities, I establish and maintain the Ministry’s financial administration and reporting functions. The Ministry maintains systems of financial management and internal control, which give consideration to costs, benefits and risks that are designed to:
- provide reasonable assurance that transactions are properly authorized, executed in accordance with prescribed legislation and regulations, and properly recorded so as to maintain accountability of public money,
- provide information to manage and report on performance,
- safeguard the assets and properties of the Province under Ministry administration,
- provide Executive Council, Treasury Board, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Agriculture and Food any information needed to fulfill their responsibilities, and
- facilitate preparation of Ministry business plans and annual reports required under the Government Accountability Act.
In fulfilling my responsibilities for the Ministry, I have relied, as necessary, on the executive of the individual entities within the Ministry.
[Original signed by]
Rory Campbell
Deputy MinisterMinistry of Agriculture and Food
September 7, 2007
Overview
Charts of Ministry Entities
April 1, 2006
April 1, 2007
Entities – Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Department
The Ministry is divided into the Department of Agriculture and Food and a number of agencies, boards and commissions. The Department is responsible for the management of programs designed to facilitate the development of all components of the agriculture and food industry, to sustain the natural resource base of the industry and to encourage the development of rural communities.
During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, the Ministry reorganized its internal structure to better serve clients. The organizational charts provided on the previous pages show the Ministry structure at the beginning of both the 2006 and 2007 fiscal years. The following descriptions summarize the responsibilities of entities and divisions at the beginning of the 2007 fiscal year. For more information, visit the Ministry web site at http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca
Agriculture Human Resource Services
#300, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-4623
Human Resource Services is responsible for providing advice and consultation to senior management, line managers and employees on all matters relating to human resource management. This work includes organizational development, compensation and benefit administration, job classification, attraction and recruitment, leadership training and development for staff at all levels, workplace health and wellness, succession planning and talent management, analysis and responses to the annual Corporate Employee Survey, performance management and processes, implementing a comprehensive occupational health and safety program, employee relations and facilitating employee events.
Agriculture Information Division
#100A, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 427-2727
Agriculture Information Division is responsible for the planning, development, organization, evaluation and delivery of information programs including print and electronic publishing, multi-media and Call of the Land radio program. The division also administers the Ministerial action request system (ARTS), Alberta Connects, Legislative Services Team and Regulatory Review, Ministerial Orders and Records Management.
Communications Branch
#100A, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-7099
Communications Branch provides communications planning and consulting support to the Minister, Deputy Minister and Department. The branch develops and implements public communications programs that support the Department and government-wide business plan goals, and manages media relations, including the province-wide distribution of news releases and coordination of Department announcements and news conferences.
Environment and Food Safety Sector
Food Safety Division
#905, O.S. Longman Building, 6909 - 116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4P2(780) 427-6159
Food Safety Division provides leadership and support for safe food production systems and global market access for Alberta’s agriculture and food industry through information, services and administration of legislation. This work includes partnership in food safety emergency response, support for the development of on-farm production protocols, assistance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point program implementation for slaughter and food processing plants, food safety surveillance, animal health surveillance and provision of essential non-routine animal disease investigation services.
Irrigation Secretariat
#328, Provincial Building, 200 - 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4L1(403) 381-5176
Irrigation Secretariat provides administrative support to the Irrigation Council, administers the Irrigation Rehabilitation Program and works with irrigation districts to ensure compliance with the Irrigation Districts Act.
Regulatory Services Division
2nd Floor, Agronomy Centre, 6903 - 116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5Z2(780) 422-7197
Regulatory Services Division is responsible for validating the safe production of meat and meat products through provincially-licensed meat facilities, as well as ensuring compliance to assigned legislation. The division is also responsible for the administration of 14 statutes and 30 regulations, and for maintaining and enhancing public confidence by ensuring consistency and co-ordination through investigation and enforcement activities as required.
Resource Management and Irrigation Division
#206, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-4596
Resource Management and Irrigation Division provides policy advice and oversees the planning, delivery and evaluation of irrigation management and development as well as environmentally sustainable agriculture programming. Program areas include soil conservation, water and air quality, greenhouse gases and climate change, irrigation development and management as well as resource conservation. The division also manages the Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture program.
Technical Services Division
#306, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-5000
Technical Services Division directs and coordinates programs and policies to support the sustainable growth and development of the agriculture industry through the development of legislation and provision of technical expertise for the development of standards, science, information and tools for sustainable development of confined feeding operations and livestock welfare as well as quality farm water supplies for domestic and livestock use and the evaluation and adaptation of technologies and systems related to manure management, air and water quality and odour management, bio-energy and rural growth.
Program areas include livestock welfare, on-farm water management, manure management and environmental practices, bio-energy, energy efficiencies and technology evaluation related to sustainable livestock production.
Traceability
#300, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 644-2296
Traceability provides policy advice on matters relating to Alberta and national traceability initiatives and issues. The branch works with Alberta’s agriculture agri-food industry to foster industry acceptance and implementation of traceability systems within the respective sectors.
Program areas include undertaking the necessary projects to understand and demonstrate the value of traceability to Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food industry, linking the traceability systems to the national and provincial emergency response systems and partnering to create infrastructure to enhance business and market opportunities, i.e., reduce costs, increase value-added opportunities, improve logistics/transportation and simplify processes.
Industry Development Sector
Ag-Industry Development and Diversification Division
Provincial Building, 4709 - 44 Avenue, Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 1N4(780) 968-3557
Ag-Industry Development and Diversification Division works with industry organizations and businesses looking to diversify or to continue development of their individual or collective business opportunities. The division works with individual companies and industry groups to provide technical expertise and coaching in areas of marketing, business arrangements, value chains, taxation, investment vehicles and new venture opportunity assessment and development. The division provides support to researchers in linking their research to a business opportunity.
The division manages the Canada-Alberta Collateral and Carry Forward Agreement under the Renewal Chapter of the Agricultural Policy Framework, the Agriculture Opportunity Fund, the Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market Program and the Woodlot Extension Program.
Agriculture Research Division
#204, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 427-5341
The Agriculture Research Division provides research expertise and knowledge through multi-disciplinary project teams focused on specific industry challenges. The division supports the research needs of primary agriculture. Information generated by this research enables the manufacturing of plant and animal-based feed, food and industrial products. Research activities provide information that is targeted, innovative, proactive and related to market forces. As a critical link in numerous value chains, the division facilitates Alberta’s primary agriculture industry to meet the needs of its customers.
Bio-Industrial Technologies Division
5712 - 48 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta T4V 0K1(780) 679-5172
The Bio-Industrial Technologies Division was created in recognition of the tremendous agricultural opportunities for non-food industrial products. The division supports the technical development of advanced materials and composite products incorporating refined agricultural fibers as well as improving the functionality of existing synthetic fiber though new process engineering, extraction and refining of agricultural fiber sources. In partnership with industry, division staff are working to establish a bio-refining suite of chemical and biological processing capacity. Staff and our partners are working to build the skill set to refine, extract and fraction cereal and lipid based crops into fine chemical constituents and industrial ingredients for the manufacture of polymers, resins, cosmetics and fuels.
Business Expansion and Commercialization Division
Provincial Building, 4709 - 44 Avenue, Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 1N4(780) 968-3557
Business Expansion and Commercialization Division works with agri-business and industry engaged in the commercialization process to increase their business success rate. The division works with individual companies and with industry groups to provide technical expertise and coaching in areas of marketing, business finance, human resources, value chains, taxation, investment vehicles, and lean manufacturing. The division provides support to researchers in linking their research to a business opportunity.
The division provides technical expertise to companies working within the AgriValue Business Incubator. The division also manages the Canada-Alberta Collateral Agreement under the Renewal Chapter of the Agricultural Policy Framework.
Food Processing Development Division
6309 - 45 Street, Leduc, Alberta T9E 7C5(780) 986-4793
The Food Processing Development Division focuses on the value-added processing of agriculture commodities through laboratory development, applied research and pilot plant scale up to develop new products, introduce new technologies and improve existing processes. The division also has a strong focus on the development of new companies and the attraction of new food processors to Alberta. Programming is delivered through four units: the Food Processing Development Centre, the Food Science and Technology Centre, the Consumer Products Testing Centre and the Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator.
Growth Strategy Secretariat
#304, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 644-2405
The Growth Strategy Secretariat manages the Agriculture Growth Strategy and tracks progress towards the goal of attaining $20 billion in value-added processing and $10 billion in primary production. The Secretariat leads the Industry Development Sector’s planning, management, monitoring and reporting processes. It also executes initiatives to build organizational and leadership capabilities in the sector. The Secretariat consists of four areas: Growth Strategy Management; Leadership and Organizational Development, Opportunity Assessment and Growth Strategy Theme Strategic Leadership.
Organizational Effectiveness and Rural Services Sector
Financial Services
#307, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-5629
Financial Services provides strategic leadership in the areas of financial planning and analysis, accounting and reporting as well as financial accountability.
Information Technology Services Division
#203, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 427-2101
Information Technology Services Division works in partnership with the business units to optimize program delivery, contribute to business innovation and increase efficiencies through enabling modern technologies. This work includes offering expertise and advice on the use and development of technology solutions. In addition, the division provisions a secure, robust and reliable technology infrastructure necessary to support the Ministry’s requirements for electronic service delivery.
Organizational Effectiveness
#300, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-6166
Organizational Effectiveness is responsible for providing strategic corporate services and effective processes for the Ministry. These services include business planning, annual reporting and process review and integration. This area also increases overall Ministry efficiency by developing tools and techniques to improve knowledge management, records management, facilities management, and ensuring that the Ministry is in compliance with all Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy regulations.
Rural Community and Leadership Development Division
#200 J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-6166
Rural Community and Leadership Development Division develops and manages community-based programs that foster rural development through support to rural organizations such as agricultural service boards, agricultural societies, and 4-H clubs and councils. The division is also responsible for developing and delivering educational, leadership and training programs such as Green Certificate, 4-H, home study, agricultural awareness and farm safety in partnership with community and agricultural organizations.
Rural Services
#300, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-6166
Rural Services is responsible for sharing information and managing partnership agreements such as the Feeder Association Guarantee Program with valued rural clients and industry partners. Division staff provide the first point of contact for the public to departmental personnel, services and programs and often to industry partners, through the Ag-Info Centre’s toll-free number (310-FARM) and through administrative assistants in regional offices. Resource Agents are the first point of contact for the Centre and provide project support and manage information for the Ministry, ensuring information is readily accessible to Alberta’s agriculture and food industry, and the world, in collaboration with the Ropin’ the Web internet site at www.agric.gov.ab.ca
Rural Utilities Division
#200, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 427-0125
Rural Utilities Division administers the Rural Gas, Rural Electric and Remote Area Heating Allowance (RAHA) program areas. The Rural Gas and Rural Electric are cost-sharing programs that help defray the high cost of constructing natural gas and electrical systems in rural areas. The RAHA program provides rebates on the cost of propane or fuel oil for individuals who are unable to obtain natural gas service at a reasonable cost.
The division also administers the Rural Utilities Act, which provides the framework for the establishment and management of business affairs for approximately 280 rural gas, electric and water associations in the province. In addition, the division also administers the Gas Distribution Act, which governs the issuing of franchise areas and the setting of all standards relating to the design, construction, operation, maintenance, quality assurance and plant records for rural gas utilities.
Planning and Competitiveness Sector
Economics and Competitiveness Division
#303, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-3771
The Economics and Competitiveness Division is a source of economic, competitiveness, market and statistical research dealing with strategic issues affecting Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food industry. This research includes applied economic and competitiveness analysis, benchmarking, statistical information, analysis of international markets, consumer behavior and emerging industry trends. The division adds value to information relating to the value-chain from production to consumption. In partnership with other divisions, the division is responsible for playing an advocacy role for Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food industry as well as leading and coordinating international relations efforts at key forums, conferences and discussions with priority international partners.
Policy Secretariat
#300, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-2070
Policy Secretariat provides advice and recommendations and undertakes corporate projects to improve the policy and planning decisions of the Ministry. The Secretariat examines domestic, national and international policies, assesses their potential effect on Alberta’s agriculture and food industry and makes recommendations on how the Ministry should respond to these challenges. The Secretariat plays an advocacy role for Alberta’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-products industry at national and international forums. The Secretariat currently concentrates on emerging issues in trade, innovation/biotechnology, research, environment, land use planning and domestic policy.
Strategic Direction and Program Policy Division
#200, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 422-9167
Strategic Direction and Program Policy is responsible for providing strategic corporate services to the Ministry. These services include developing and implementing effective processes for strategic planning including the monitoring of key trends and issues facing the Ministry.
Division staff are also responsible for program policy development, program evaluation and negotiating and managing federal funding requirements under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), as well as managing Alberta’s obligations under specific federal/provincial bilateral companion agreements. Further, the division is responsible for coordinating and integrating Alberta’s input into the development of APF II.
The division delivers several farm income assistance programs, including the Canada-Alberta Farm Water Program and payments under the Canada-Alberta BSE Surveillance Program. The division jointly delivers assistance under the Alberta Farm Fuel Benefit Program with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation and delivers the agriculture component of Disaster Recovery Programs.
Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)
Lacombe Central Office, 5718 - 56 Avenue, Lacombe, Alberta T4L 1B1(403) 782-8200
Camrose Central Office, 4910 - 52 Street, Camrose, Alberta T4V 4E8(780) 679-1311
AFSC provides a wide variety of risk management products and financial services to fit the business needs of farmers, the agriculture industry and small businesses in Alberta. It offers unique financial products and services not readily available from conventional sources to the industry.
AFSC provides insurance products to mitigate risks related to crop production, including hay and pasture. AFSC also offers waterfowl and wildlife damage compensation to help Alberta farmers protect against production losses on their farms. It also delivers the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program, a whole-farm program that provides compensation for decline in farm margin relative to historical margin for eligible producers regardless of the commodities they produce. AFSC offers agriculture financial services such as farm loans and guarantees for new and expanding farm businesses, and financing for those facing disastrous reductions in farm production or income. AFSC also provides and facilitates sourcing of financing for companies in the agri-food and value-added industry, as well as the small business sector, with an emphasis on rural Alberta.
AFSC produces a separate annual report. Copies are available electronically through the AFSC website: www.AFSC.ca
Agricultural Products Marketing Council
#305, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 427-2164
Agricultural Products Marketing Council advises the Minister on matters related to the establishment, operation and management of the boards and commissions established under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act. The Council provides assistance and advice to boards and commissions on board governance, leadership development, strategic and business planning. Council facilitates industry-oriented development through enabling legislation and encourages support to research and value-added opportunities and enhanced value chain relationships.
Alberta Grain Commission
#305, J.G. O’Donoghue Building,. 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 427-7329
Alberta Grain Commission advises the Minister on issues and trends in the grain industry, conducts on-going examination of all facets of the industry and provides an information service, which includes daily grain price information.
Irrigation Council
#328, Provincial Building, 200 - 5th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4L1(403) 381-5176
Irrigation Council, established under the Irrigation Districts Act, makes recommendations to the Minister on any matter under the Act, particularly on issues related to maintaining a strong, efficient and sustainable irrigation industry. The Council acts as an appeal body in accordance with the Act and approves projects and establishes polices for provincial cost-shared funding, to ensure accountability of the public’s ongoing investment in irrigation district water conveyance infrastructure.
Office of the Farmers’ Advocate of Alberta
#305, J.G. O’Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6(780) 427-2433
Office of the Farmers’ Advocate provides the Minister with information on issues concerning rural Albertans. The office works closely with agricultural interest groups, Alberta Environment, Alberta Energy, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD), and other levels of government to formulate policy recommendations and procedures that affect the rural community. The office works with surface rights groups and landowners on surface lease and freehold mineral lease issues; provides dispute resolution services, advice and information to individual farmers or agricultural associations on issues that affect rural Albertans and is also responsible for the contract for the AFSC/SRD Hail and Crop, Grazing Disposition and Lending Agricultural Development Committee reviews.
The office is also responsible for administering the Farm Implement Act, Farm Implement Dealerships Act, Water Well Restoration or Replacement Program, Wild Fire Cost Assessment Review and Part 1 of the Agricultural Operation Practices Act.
Operational Overview
Ministry’s Core Businesses
The Ministry contributes to three of the government’s four key opportunities. Unleashing Innovation, Competing in a Global Marketplace and Making Alberta the Best Place to Live, Work and Visit. The primary focus of Alberta Agriculture and Food is on Government of Alberta Goal 1, Alberta will have a diversified and prosperous economy under the key opportunity of Unleashing Innovation. The Ministry achieves this by working with others to promote prosperity for Alberta through a strong, competitive, sustainable agriculture and food industry.
Ministry Core Businesses
- Facilitate sustainable industry growth
- Enhance rural sustainability
- Strengthen business risk management
Each of the six Ministry goals contributes to the achievement of these core businesses. The results constitute the role of Alberta Agriculture and Food in contributing to the Government of Alberta’s core performance measures. The Results Analysis of this annual report presents a comprehensive discussion of the Ministry goals, performance measures and results of operations for the fiscal year 2006-2007.
Costs for Core Business
(unaudited)
(thousands of dollars) |
| Core Businesses | 2006-2007
Estimates | 2006-2007
Actual | 2005-2006
Actual |
| Facilitate sustainable industry growth | $232,971 | $232,261 | $237,339 |
| Enhance rural sustainability | 58,121 | 55,620 | 58,600 |
| Strengthen business risk management | 749,589 | 828,171 | 803,068 |
| Ministry Expense | $1,040,681 | $1,116,052 | $1,099,007 |
Highlights of changes in the Ministry’s spending are as follows:
Strengthen business risk management – expenses increased by $78.6 million over budget primarily due to two enhancements to the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program, the Alberta Margin Enhancement and the Alberta Reference Margin Initiative. These increases were partially offset by lower production insurance indemnities and the change in estimates for prior year CAIS accruals. Expenses were $25.1 million higher than 2005-2006 resulting from the CAIS enhancements, which were partially offset by lower production insurance expenses and the discontinuation of BSE recovery programs in July 2005.
Expense By Function
All Ministry expenses, with the exception of debt servicing costs, are reported under the Government of Alberta function: Agriculture, Resource Management and Economic Development.
Overall Ministry Operations and Services
Here are the overall Ministry budget and actual operating results for all Ministry entities:
(unaudited)
(thousands of dollars) |
 | 2006-2007
Budget | 2006-2007
Actual | 2005-2006
Actual |
| Revenues | $546,719 | $531,428 | $575,864 |
| Expenses | 1,040,681 | 1,116,052 | 1,099,007 |
| Gain (Loss) on disposal of assets | – | 269 | (21) |
| Excess of expenses over revenues | $493,962 | $584,355 | $523,164 |
Results Analysis (211 Kb)
Financial Statements
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