| | Preface | Minister's Accountability Statement | Message from the Minister | Management's Responsibility for Reporting | Overview | Results Analysis | Financial Information
Preface
Public Accounts 2008 - 2009
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 24 Ministries.
The annual report of the Government of Alberta released June 30, 2009, contains Ministers' accountability statements, the consolidated financial statements of the Province and the Measuring Up report, which compares actual performance results to desired results set out in the government's business plan.
This annual report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development 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 Rural Development, 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, 2009, 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 8, 2009 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 Rural Development
September 8, 2009
Message from the Minister
Albertans are recognized as leaders and innovators. The province's agriculture industry is no exception.
This year saw many challenges, opportunities and successes in Alberta's agriculture and food industry and in our rural communities. Significant change and transformation were required to position our industry as a competitive player on a global stage and to build the necessary capacity within Alberta's rural communities.
In June 2008, we unveiled the Alberta Livestock and Meat Strategy (ALMS), a long.term strategy to stabilize and strengthen Alberta's livestock industry. ALMS outlines eight priority initiatives designed to achieve significant change in our industry. The Alberta Meat and Livestock Agency Ltd., incorporated on January 29, 2009, will redirect government funds, resources and programs to help revitalize the livestock sector, enhance the value chain and achieve the necessary changes to build a more competitive industry.
At the same time that ALMS was unveiled, our department strategically restructured its program and service delivery to better focus on key priorities that serve Albertans and the agriculture industry. This reorganization was necessary to support the successful transition of the livestock industry with ALMS. Realignment within the
department has brought a renewed focus to services and expertise that support agriculture and food businesses and producers across the province.
We identified traceability and premises identification as priority initiatives under ALMS because they provide value-added attributes for our products. The decision to build a traceability system was motivated not only by market access and competitiveness concerns, but also to protect animal and human health. More than 85 per cent of the 2008 calf crop was age verified, and more than 23,000 premises have been registered in the Alberta system.
The Animal Health Act (AHA), Alberta's primary animal disease control legislation, came into effect on January 1, 2009, along with three new regulations. The AHA reflects the needs of today's livestock industry, Alberta's reliance on access to international markets and the need for animal disease control and surveillance.
To assist in stabilizing the industry during the first phase of the ALMS transformation, Alberta producers received $300 million in transitional assistance through the Alberta Farm Recovery Program (AFRP), paid to producers in two installments. The AFRP II provided livestock producers with some immediate assistance to help them deal with economic challenges, as the industry works towards a profitable future.
Trade issues were also a key focus for our ministry this year. In October 2008, our mission to Asia resulted in an agreement, in principle, for the sale of Canadian beef to Hong Kong. This agreement was a result of a strong working relationship with the federal government.
Additionally, we worked to strengthen our agricultural trade relations and interests with the U.S. and Mexico at the Tri-National Agricultural Accord. In January 2009, Alberta's agriculture and agri-food industry and key agricultural trade issues were highlighted at the Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit. Together with the Province of Saskatchewan, we continued our efforts to urge the federal government and their provincial counterparts to support a World Trade Organization position that advances market access for the entire Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry.
Our efforts to advance Alberta's rural communities continued. In November 2008, we announced two new grants through the Government of Canada's $1 billion Community Development Trust Fund. The Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program consists of $9 million in new funding to targeted rural communities for projects that enable access to reasonable high.speed broadband service. The Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program consists of $15 million in new funding to increase the capacity of rural communities and regions to transition and adapt, resulting in greater resilience and new, more diverse economic opportunities.
Farm safety has always been important to the Ministry. This year, the Safety Smarts program, which offers age-appropriate, hands-on safety lessons to students from kindergarten to Grade 6, went Alberta-wide. This expansion to the farm safety program makes Alberta the first province to offer province-wide rural safety training for children. With the help of a three-year, $360,000 grant from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, four new Safety Smarts instructors were hired to allow us to reach more children in the province.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has accomplished a great deal in a short period of time, thanks in large part to our dedicated staff who worked hard to ensure the success of our initiatives. I would like to thank our staff, our partners and our stakeholders for their ongoing efforts and continued commitment to Alberta's agriculture industry and the development of our rural communities.
Sincerely,
[original signed by]
George Groeneveld
Minister, Agriculture and Rural Development
Management's Responsibility for Reporting
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development includes:
- Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Agriculture Financial Services Corporation
- Alberta Grain Commission
- The Office of the Farmers' Advocate
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- Irrigation Council
- Agricultural Products Marketing Council
- Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd.
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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 Rural Development. 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 Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for the public sector as recommended by the Public Sector Accounting Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. The performance measures are prepared in accordance with the
following criteria:
- Reliability . Information agrees with the underlying data and with the sources used to prepare it.
- Understandability and Comparability . Actual results are presented clearly and consistently with the stated methodology and presented on the same basis as targets and prior years' information.
- Completeness . Performance measures and targets match those included in Budget 2008. Actual results are prepared for all measures.
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 that 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 Enterprise and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development 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]
John Knapp
Deputy Minister
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
September 8, 2009
Overview
Charts of Ministry Entities
April 1, 2008
Charts of Ministry Entities
April 1, 2009
Entities - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Department
The Ministry is comprised of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and a number of agencies, boards and ommissions. The Department is responsible for the design of policy options and 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 2008-2009 fiscal year, the Ministry undertook a program review exercise to ensure its internal structure was equipped to better serve clients and deliver on its mandated priorities. The organizational charts provided on the previous pages show the Ministry structure at the beginning of both the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years. The following descriptions summarize the responsibilities of entities and divisions at the beginning of the 2009 fiscal year. For more information, visit the Ministry web site at http://www.agriculture.alberta.ca
Agriculture Human Resource Services
#300, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-422-4623
Human Resource Services provides strategic leadership, advice and consultation to senior and line managers in the management of their people. Services provided by the HR Team include: organizational development, organizational design, recruitment and selection, job classification, compensation, employee relations, leadership development, talent management, workplace health, safety and wellness, workforce demographics, performance management, and the collection and analysis of data related to the management of staff. All HR strategies and services support the strategic direction of the Ministry, and the goals and priorities of the organization.
Communications
#100A, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-422-7099
The Communications Branch provides communications planning and consulting support to the Minister, Deputy Minister, Department and the Ministry. The branch develops and implements public communications programs that support the Ministry and government-wide business plan goals, and manages media relations, including the province-wide distribution of news releases and the coordination of Ministry announcements and news conferences.
Financial and Business Planning Services
#204 J.G. O'Donoghue Building 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-422-5629
Financial and Business Planning Services provides strategic leadership in the areas of financial planning, accounting and reporting as well as financial accountability. The Division provides strategic corporate services focused on business planning, operational planning, performance measurement and performance reporting including the development of quarterly reports and the Ministry's annual report. The Division is also responsible for the development of and reporting requirements for the Deputy Minister's Performance Contract and for contributing to Government of Alberta business plans and reporting documents.
The Division is also responsible for the work of the Ministerial Correspondence Unit (CU).This work involves acting as a champion for the work performed by the CU and managing sensitive issues and concerns arising from correspondence issues.
Rural Development, Corporate and Regulatory Services Sector
Information Technology Services
#202, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-422-2101
Information Technology Services works in partnership with program areas to optimize program delivery, contribute to business innovation and increase efficiencies by enabling modern technologies and through information management, as well as information sharing best practices. This work includes offering expertise and advice on the use and development of technology solutions. In addition, the Division provides the secure, robust and reliable technology infrastructure necessary to support the Ministry's requirements for electronic service delivery.
Information Management Services
#100A, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-422-2101
Information Management Services provides the public access to information, decision-making tools, services and programs. Information can be accessed through the internet site www.agriculture.alberta.ca and the Call of the Land radio program. The Division is responsible for the planning, development, organization, evaluation and delivery of information services including print and electronic publishing, and multi-media production. The Division is responsible for administering the Department's records management program and has responsibility for ensuring appropriate access to information as identified through the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. As well, the Division administers the Alberta Century Farm & Ranch Awards, Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame Awards, Wheat Board Monies Trust and Claude Gallinger Memorial Fund scholarships.
Business Excellence Services
#201, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-427-4487
The Business Excellence Services Division delivers business analysis, facilitation and management support services in the areas of business process management, process improvement and project planning and management. The Division is also responsible for delivering facilities management services, legislative planning and coordination services, and provides support to the Department's capital planning process.
Rural Utilities
#200, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-427-1930
The Rural Utilities Division administers the Rural Gas, Rural Electric and Remote Area Heating Allowance (RAHA) programs. The Rural Gas and Rural Electric programs are cost-shared programs that help defray the costs 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. Additionally, the Division administers the Gas Distribution Act, which governs the establishment of franchise areas and standards setting relating to the design, construction, operation, maintenance, quality assurance and plant recordkeeping for rural gas utilities.
Rural Development
#106, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-427-2409
The Rural Development Division supports the implementation of Alberta's Rural Development Strategy by advancing rural policy, leading cross-government collaboration on rural issues and working closely with Rural Alberta's Development Fund to assist community-focused projects. In addition, the Division provides leadership to strategic rural initiatives and conducts research in partnership with rural organizations and stakeholders.
Regulatory Services
2nd Floor, Agronomy Centre, 6903 - 116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5Z2 - 780-422-7197
The 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 with assigned legislation. The Division is responsible for administering and providing support to 14 different statutes and 23 sets of regulations as well as for maintaining and enhancing public confidence by ensuring consistency and co-ordination through investigation and enforcement activities as required.
Policy and Environment Sector
Economics and Competitiveness
#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, consumer behavior and emerging industry trends. The Division adds value to information relating to the value chain from production to consumption.
Policy, Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs
#200, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-422-9167
The Policy, Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs Division provides Departmental leadership in developing, policy and advocacy. The Division facilitates and coordinates Agriculture and Rural Development's foresight strategy and strategic planning process, policy development and coordination through a policy framework, and advocacy through domestic and international trade missions and negotiations. In addition, the Division manages specific cross organizational/ministry policy files, such as the Land Use Framework, implements the Growing Forward bilateral agreement and ensures that program design and delivery conform to policy direction.
Irrigation and Farm Water
Agriculture Centre, 5401 - 1 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4V6 - 403-381-5140
The Irrigation and Farm Water Division facilitates the development of a competitive, environmentally-sustainable agriculture industry by ensuring that good quality surface and ground water supplies meet current and future agriculture needs, management practices meet acceptable water quality guidelines and management systems assist livestock and crop producers deal with excess rainfall and drought conditions.
Environmental Stewardship
#306, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-427-0674
The Environmental Stewardship Division fosters a competitive capacity through environmental stewardship. The Division delivers, in partnership with industry, the business models, systems, science, information and measures that enable industry to take actions leading to environmental opportunities that are outcome-focused, reportable and verifiable.
Agri-Environmental Integration and Engagement Office
#206, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780.415-1771
The Agri-Environmental Integration and Engagement Office focuses on engaging industry stakeholders, partnerships and networks to cooperatively resolve priority issues, establish and deliver environmental outcomes and work collaboratively to build industry capacity. The Office works closely with a number of key organizations including the Agri-Environmental Partnership of Alberta, the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd. and the Institute for Agriculture, Forestry and the Environment. The Office develops engaged, multi-stakeholder processes to support effective policy analysis and development, and to coordinate representation and input to cross
Government of Alberta policy processes.
International Marketing1
#300, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-422-7093
The International Marketing Division works with industry clients and stakeholders to support targeted export growth for Alberta agriculture products and services. The Division facilitates this mandate through the provision of relevant market information, opportunity identification, networking and positioning Alberta as a preferred supplier. Initiatives include incoming and outgoing missions, trade show presence, buyer/supplier matchmaking, market presentations and seminars. The Division works closely with multi-level governments (civic, provincial, federal, foreign governments) and key organizations such as the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd. to effectively promote Alberta's export capabilities.
1 Responsibility for the International Marketing Division was transferred to Agriculture and Rural Development from
International and Intergovernmental Relations as of April 1, 2009.
Industry Development and Food Safety Sector
Agriculture Research
#307, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780-427-5341
As a critical link in numerous value chains, the Agriculture Research Division enables Alberta's primary agricultural industry to meet the needs of its customers and their markets. The Division applies its research expertise to develop new information in a multi-disciplinary project team approach focused on opportunities and challenges facing the livestock, livestock feed, food and bio-industrial crops industries. Research activities are directed at enhancing industry competitiveness through improvement in production efficiency and/or increased value of products. The administration of crop pest and apiculture.related legislation and regulations as well as the development and extension of effective crop pest management and control strategies also contribute to industry success.
Food Processing
6309 - 45 Street, Leduc, Alberta T9E 7C5 - 780-986-4793
The Food Processing Division focuses on the value-added processing of agriculture commodities through laboratory development, applied research and pilot plant scale-up to develop new products, introducing new technologies and improving 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.
Food Safety
#905, O.S. Longman Building, 6909 - 116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4P2 - 780-427-6159
The Food Safety Division focuses on safe food production systems and animal health programs that protect public health and support market access for Alberta's agriculture and food industry. The Division facilitates the adoption of internationally.accepted food safety systems and standards in food production and processing, maintains a surveillance system that validates and continually improves food safety and animal health, minimizes the impact of animal diseases on public health, provides essential non-routine animal disease investigation services and plans for and responds to food safety and animal health emergencies.
Rural Extension and Industry Development
Room 106, Provincial Building, 4709 - 44 Avenue, Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1N4 - 780-427-2409
The Rural Extension and Industry Development Division delivers business development services to agriculture businesses, food processors and organizations. Business development activities focus on improving the competitiveness and profitability of industry clients. The Division assures the effective delivery of agriculture educational training, leadership and grant programs, as well as front-line client contact services for industry clients through the Ag-Info Centre and Field Offices. The Division also manages the 4-H, Farm Safety, Green Certificate, Farmers Market and Agriculture Service Board programs.
Traceability
#308, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 780.422-2546
The Traceability Division provides policy advice on matters relating to Alberta and national traceability initiatives and issues. The Division advises the Minister on matters that relate to building and implementing Alberta's initiatives for traceability, and fostering industry acceptance and implementation of traceability systems within their respective sectors. Responsibilities include undertaking the necessary projects to understand and demonstrate the value of traceability to Alberta's agriculture and agri-food industry, linking 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, encourage adoption of new technologies and simplify processes).
The Division also assists Alberta's agriculture and agri-food sectors to implement traceability systems to meet their needs while ensuring they are fully integrated within the national system; identifies and employs legislation, regulation and policy frameworks to mitigate risk and support traceability systems; and builds the capacity, resources and communication plans that support the implementation of an integrated and coordinated change management program to ensure the short and long-term success of the traceability strategic plan.
Bio-Industrial Technologies
Agri-Food Discovery Place, F-83, 6004 - 118 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 2V8 - 780.644-8124
The Bio-Industrial Technologies Division is unique in the Ministry as it provides both business and technical expertise. The Division supports primary producers, industry associations and companies through the provision of specialized information, knowledge and expertise, which supports the commercialization of bio-based industries in Alberta.
The Division assists with business development and investment opportunities for new and existing companies, evaluates new technologies, provides engineering consultation, conducts product and process development activities through scale-up and supports technology transfer and extension.
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 agri-businesses in Alberta. It offers unique financial products and services not readily available from conventional sources to the industry. AFSC has two broad business lines: Lending and Business Risk Management Services.
AFSC Lending offers loans for farms, disaster assistance, commercial operations, agri-businesses and value-added enterprises as well as loan guarantees and capital sourcing services. These products and services are offered in all lending offices across the province. AFSC lending programs offer long-term, fixed rate loans with flexible terms and reasonable conditions that help provide stability for farm and business planning and managing future cash flows in industries where income and expenses can be volatile.
Business Risk Management includes insurance products to mitigate risks related to crop production, including hay and pasture. Waterfowl and wildlife damage compensation is also offered to help Alberta farmers protect against production losses on their farms. Additionally, AFSC also delivers AgriStability, a Federal.provincial, whole-farm program that provides compensation for a decline in farm margins relative to historical margins for eligible producers, regardless of the commodities produced. AFSC produces a separate annual report which is 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
The 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 and strategic and business planning. The Council facilitates industry.oriented development through legislation and encourages engagement in 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
The Alberta Grain Commission advises the Minister on issues and trends in the grain industry, conducts ongoing examination of all facets of the industry and provides an information service which includes daily grain price information.
Office of the Farmers' Advocate of Alberta
#305, J.G. O'Donoghue Building, 7000 - 113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6 - 310-FARM (3276)
The 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 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.
Irrigation Council
#328, Provincial Building, 200 - 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4L1 - 403-381-5176
The Irrigation Council, established under the Irrigation Districts Act, makes recommendations to the Minister on any matter under the Act, particularly issues related to maintaining a strong, efficient and sustainable irrigation industry. The Council acts as an appeal body in accordance with the Act and establishes policies and approves annual rolling three-year plans and projects submitted by the irrigation districts to ensure accountability of the public's ongoing cost-shared investment in irrigation district water conveyance infrastructure.
Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd.
1003 Ellwood Road SW, Edmonton, Alberta T6X 0B3 - 780-643-1021
The Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd. acts as a catalyst for the livestock and meat industry in Alberta to help achieve a competitive, profitable and sustainable future. Achieving this goal will take all of industry members working together, under this shared vision. The Agency's board consists of highly qualified individuals appointed to help direct funds, resources and programs towards the re-building of Alberta's livestock industry. Five Advisory Committees represent all sectors, to provide input and guidance to the work of the Agency. Roles include providing advice to the Minister on issues related to livestock, meat and value-added processes and coordinating strategic planning with industry and helping to ensure alignment of government and industry funding with strategic priorities.
The Agency provides programs and funding in support of market development and diversification; production system enhancement; innovation programs; certification programs; product development and research and development programs; and, transition and change programs. As a catalyst for relationship development among stakeholders, the Agency facilitates the development of livestock and meat information exchange systems.
Operational Overview
Ministry's Core Businesses
The Ministry contributes to two of the government's ten goals and to three of the five government priorities. The Ministry works with industry and stakeholders to manage growth pressures, build a stronger Alberta and improve Albertans' quality of life. The primary focus of Agriculture and Rural Development is on Government of Alberta goal 1: Alberta will have a prosperous economy. The Ministry achieves this objective by working with others to promote prosperity for Alberta through a strong, competitive, sustainable agriculture and food industry and vibrant rural communities.
Ministry Core Businesses
- Facilitate sustainable industry growth
- Building capacity and managing risk
Each of the Ministry goals contributes to the achievement of these core businesses. The results constitute the role of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development in contributing to the Government of Alberta's core performance measures. The Results Analysis section of this annual report presents a comprehensive discussion of the Ministry goals, performance measures and results of operations for the fiscal year 2008 - 2009.
Results Analysis - 729K PDF
Financial Information
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