Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Business Plan 2008-11

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development consists of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC). The Ministry is also responsible for the Office of the Farmers' Advocate; Irrigation Council; Agricultural Products Marketing Council; and Alberta Grain Commission.

In striving to achieve its mission Agriculture and Rural Development contributes to Goal 1: Alberta will have a
prosperous economy. The Ministry contributes to this goal by enhancing industry competitiveness and growth through several of its key initiatives including the Agriculture Workforce Strategy and the Competitiveness Initiative; and by developing and implementing strategies that focus on opportunities and building capacity in rural Alberta.

Agriculture and Rural Development also contributes to Goal 4: Alberta will have a financially stable, open and accountable government and maintain its strong position nationally and internationally. This contribution is made by servicing the debt incurred by Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) in providing service to their clients.

Government of Alberta Priority
Agriculture and Rural Development also works with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology to
achieve the following government priority:

• Enhance value-added activity, increase innovation, and build a skilled workforce to improve the long-run sustainability of Alberta's economy.