| | Industry Governance Review is not just about legislation.
The Working Group members have often been asked why and how the Legislative Review (Marketing of Agricultural Products Act) has expanded and developed into the Industry Governance Review that is unfolding. Many agricultural organizations have shared their perspective about where there are barriers and room for improvements. Changes to legislation are only one small piece of the puzzle. More effective governance structures and new ways for parts of industry to work together have been highlighted as areas of concern. Throughout the extensive and broad based consultative process, the Working Group has also heard many issues that go beyond producer legislation and enter into the realm of the much bigger topic of governance. One definition of governance is as follows:
“…governance is the interactions among structures, processes and traditions that determine how power and responsibilities are exercised, how decisions are taken, and how citizens or other stakeholders have their say. Governance is about …who has influence, who decides, and how decision-makers are held accountable.”
Principles for Good Governance in the 21st Century. Institute of Governance. August 2003.
The Industry Governance Review approach offers an opportunity to dialogue about how the whole industry (producers, organizations (boards, commissions, associations), researchers, processors, packers, suppliers, academia, government, and consumers) chooses to organize itself to move beyond survival and become more competitive, effective and collaborative. Because of the inclusive nature of the Industry Governance Review process, Marketing Council will take the shared recommendations forward to the Minister.
The voice of the producer is critical.
Much of the consultation and dialogue since January has been with representatives of organizations that serve producers and the overall agriculture industry in various ways. There have been repeated discussions about the challenge to engage the broader producer population in the process – let alone to have this group more involved in the leadership of the industry. This group is often referred to as the ‘silent majority’. Many of the organizations have utilized varied means to reach out to these individuals but have experienced limited success. As part of the Industry Governance Review, a survey will be conducted of 1,000 producers to better understand their evolving needs and help to understand how to more effectively engage them in the industry. There will also be 6 focus groups held throughout the province in partnership with the survey. The industry organizations will have a key role in working with the Working Group to develop this survey and ensure the data collected is useful to all for possible future implementation strategies. Ways in which others part of industry (beyond the farm gate) are also important and will be explored further in future communiqués.
Together we will continue to co-create solutions.
Just as many hands make light work, many heads make better solutions. The Working Group has been able to enlist the expertise of: Ron Axelson, Don Brookbank, Darcy Fitzgerald, Ellen Goddard, Doug Hooper, Rick Istead, and Mike Leslie. They bring their ideas, knowledge and networks and are known as the Industry Governance Group (IGG). The Working Group is very appreciative of their role and ability to share perspectives across the whole of the agricultural industry and indeed, from other sectors as well. The IGG acts as a ‘sounding board’ and ‘reality check’ for the Working Group. The IGG also has a key role in providing feedback about industry’s response and on-going reactions to the review process.
Cultivation of continuous learning.
October 8 – 12, 2007 Freda, Bob and Doris will travel to eastern Canada to assess established and emerging governance models and practices in Quebec and Ontario. The purpose of the trip is to assess governance models and practices in other jurisdictions in an effort to identify good governance practices. Look for a summary report to be shared with stakeholders upon their return. They plan to meet the following groups:
Canadian Federation of Agriculture
Canadian Meat Council
Dairy Farmers of Canada
George Morris Centre
Institute for Agri-Food Policy
National Farm Products Council
Ontario Corn Producers’ Association
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission
Régie des marches agricoles et alimentaires du Québec (Quebec Marketing Council)
L’Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) and Quebec Farmers’ Association
Oops! Alberta Milk was missing in Communiqué #5.
Twenty-six organizations were listed as participants in the regional summer meetings. Alberta Milk makes twenty-seven. Thanks for the correction and our apologies on missing you the first time!
Our website offers access to communiqués, and presentations related to the Industry Governance Review. Look for your opportunity to give additional input with our interactive questions coming very soon to the website. Please feel free to contact me or the other Working Group members with your concerns, questions and comments. Until next time…when harvest will hopefully be completed and we can share the outcomes of ‘07’s blessings!
Don Macyk
Chair
| The Industry Governance Review Working Group |
| Marketing Council Members |  |
Don Macyk
Kenton Ziegler
Doris Ludlage |
(780) 427-2164
(403) 947-2508
(780) 724-4118
|
| Marketing Council Staff: | |
Jackson Gardner
Freda Molenkamp-Oudman
Clinton Dobson
Mike Pearson
Maryann Urbanowski |
(780) 422-1243
(780) 644-1507
(780) 422-1921
(780) 427-2164
(780) 427-1200
|
| Agriculture and Food staff: | |
Bob Prather
Martine Bolinger |
(780) 427-4244
(780) 980-4230
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| Framework Partners Inc: | |
| Donna Finley (process consultant) | |
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