Agencies

Learn more about the Agency Governance Secretariat.

Agencies responsible to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development:

Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd. | Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) | Office of the Farmers' Advocate | Alberta Grains Council | Agricultural Products Marketing Council | Irrigation Council

Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd.

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.

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)

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.

Office of the Farmers' Advocate

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.

Alberta Grains Council

The Alberta Grains Council (AGC) provides progressive farm-based advice to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on current issues and emerging trends affecting all facets of the grain industry in order to promote a prosperous, sustainable, and market driven farm and agri-sector. The AGC examines cereals, oilseeds, pulses and specialty crops from producer to end user, and makes policy recommendations to the Minister.

Agricultural Products Marketing Council

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.

Irrigation Council

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.