The Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen: History

 
 
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In 1942 the Department of Agriculture and various Alberta municipalities met regarding the problem of weed control and soil erosion, which was continuing to increase. It was felt that more effective results would be achieved if local governments carried out weed control and soil conservation.

The result of these meetings was the formation of special agricultural committees or boards at the municipal level. These committees and boards were initiated in 1944 as a result of a resolution at the Municipal District Convention. This concept became the forerunner of the present Agricultural Service Board Act.

The Agricultural Service Board Act was passed by the Provincial Legislature in February 1945.

These local Agricultural committees or boards hired Field Supervisors to administer the programs in their areas. These Field Supervisors were the forerunners of the present day Agricultural Fieldmen.

In 1955 the Field Supervisors proposed the formation of an association of Field Supervisors with the objectives of standardizing programs and policies for the benefit of agriculture, improving their image, and offering training opportunities to make them more effective at their jobs.

A Certificate of Incorporation for The Association of Municipal District and County Field Supervisors (Alberta) was issued on March 12, 1957. On February 29, 1968, a new Certificate of Incorporation was issued for The Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen.

From the initial 13 municipalities in 1944, Agricultural Service Boards in Alberta have grown to the present number of 70.

Over the years the role of Agricultural Fieldmen has expanded and the one-person offices have become multi-person offices.

Agricultural Fieldmen are the administrative officers that carry out the various programs set out by their Agricultural Service Boards. They are also appointed as inspectors or regulatory officers to administer the four acts for which the municipalities and counties are responsible.

These four acts are:

Agricultural Fieldmen also assist in the enforcement of the Animal Health Act.

Agricultural Fieldmen are unique to Alberta. The standards of their jobs are maintained through mandatory in-service training. This annual updating is a reflection of their association.

This information is provided by:
Pam Retzloff, Program Assistant
Agricultural Service Board Program
Room 201, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6
Phone: 780-427-4213 Fax: 780-422-7755

 
 
 
 
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For more information about the content of this document, contact Pam Retzloff.
This information published to the web on April 23, 2003.
Last Reviewed/Revised on April 28, 2011.