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Resolution #1
Farm Fuel Rebate
Be it resolved: That Alberta’s Agricultural Service Boards request the Alberta Government update the Alberta Farm Fuel Distribution Allowance Program to reflect changes in the market price of fuel similar to the natural gas rebate program which will provide some measure of relief to assist in sustaining and improving the family farm business and farming communities as outlined in the Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Business Plan 2005-08.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
The Alberta Farm Fuel Distribution Allowance (AFFDA) is not a price protection program for farmers. The Alberta government continues the 6 cents per litre discount on diesel fuel to ensure that Alberta farmers will have the lowest cost among their neighbouring competitors. It covers the 4 cent per litre federal fuel tax and a couple of cents more to assure a slight advantage over other prairie farmers, in both Canada and the US.
Resolution #2
Farm Fertilizer
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development initiate a program to assist the agriculture industry reduce fertilizer prices to the producer using a rebate program similar to the existing natural gas rebate program.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
The Alberta government recognizes that domestic support measures can be of crucial importance to the agriculture sector. However, producers have repeatedly cautioned us against direct input subsidies as they claim that the price of the input simply increases by the value of the subsidy, resulting in no net benefit. There are currently no plans to have a fertilizer subsidy program. Alternatively, the CAIS Program will help address these cost increases.
Resolution #3
Farm Fuel and Fertilizer Costs
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development request the Federal Government to initiate a program to compensate agricultural producers through a Federal fuel tax rebate program similar to the Alberta Farm Fuel Distribution Allowance.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
The Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development continues ongoing correspondence to the federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, urging the elimination of the federal excise tax of 4 cents per litre on diesel and 10 cents per litre on gasoline, used by eligible farmers.
For a number of years, Alberta has pushed the federal government to recognize that all provinces provide fuel tax relief for farmers and it would be appropriate for them to follow that lead. To date, Ottawa has not responded. We will continue to pursue this with the new government in Ottawa.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
This resolution recommends that the federal government provide fuel price relief to farmers by providing a tax rebate or eliminating the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel. Since the Excise Tax Act falls under the purview of the Department of Finance, I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter and this response to my colleague, Mr. Ian Bennett, Deputy Minister of Finance, for his consideration. You may be assured however, that we are sensitive to the role that energy plays in the overall costs of Canadian farmers.
Resolution #4
Crop Insurance Coverage Levels
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that AFSC review the current coverage levels on the crop insurance program and increase the coverage levels to keep pace with the rising expenses in crop production.
Response:
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation
Crop insurance is limited under Federal Regulations with respect to the amount of price coverage that can be offered to producers. Further, a crop insurance program which offers producers more for crops in a claim situation, than when they are harvested, encourages program abuse and is not recommended. Notwithstanding these limitations, AFSC has examined ways in which the dollar coverage under Production Insurance could be enhanced, while not undermining the program.
The Alberta Government recently announced that producers will receive a 20 percent reduction in crop insurance premium rates. The Variable Price Benefit (VPB) is included as a benefit with Production Insurance and provides increased coverage when prices increase by 10 percent or more from spring to fall.
In 2003 the Corporation began offering Production Insurance participants the Spring Price Endorsement (SPE) and Revenue Insurance Coverage (RIC) programs.
The SPE is an endorsement which provides producers with protection, up to their coverage levels, against the risk of a drop in crop market prices from the spring planting season to the time they harvest their crops. For 2006, the province continued the increased subsidy by paying 70 percent of the premiums and producers pay 30 percent for SPE protection. As well, the province pays all administration costs.
Clients selecting the SPE are automatically covered under RIC, which uses floor prices to provide price protection on crop insurance coverage when market prices are low throughout the year. No premium is charged to producers for the RIC program. Instead, RIC is offered on a co-insurance (deductible) basis. In 2006, to reflect some of the increased input costs, the province continued its increased subsidy by covering 70 percent of payments triggered under RIC, as well as increasing the floor prices by 7 percent.
For 2006 Unseeded Acreage Benefits and Reseeding Benefits for most crops, were also increased.
Producers may also be eligible for coverage on high crop expenses under the Canadian Agricultural Stabilization (CAIS) program.
AFSC has been hosting producer input advisory group meetings across the province to discuss alternative crop insurance coverage systems and alternative ways to providing additional dollar coverage to producers. Pending the results of these meetings, an alternative coverage system and alternative ways for providing additional dollar coverage may be in place for 2006.
Questions about CAIS, SPE and RIC should be directed to AFSC District Offices.
Resolution #5
The Canadian Radio Frequency Identification Reader Program
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request Agriculture and Agri-food Canada include rural municipal governments as eligible applicants under the Canadian Radio Frequency Identification Reader Program.
Response:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
This resolution recommends that rural municipal governments be eligible under the Canadian Radio Frequency Identification (CRFID) program. This program is intended to target individuals beyond the farm gate so that the first movement off a farm will be efficiently tracked through the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) readers. Under the program, current eligible applicants are: slaughter and processing plants, sales barns, stock yards, and auction marts, veterinarians, veterinary schools and universities, pathology labs (private), mobile butchers and dead stock operators. The program is under review and consideration is being given to including additional components of the value-chain as eligible applicants to ensure that the Reader equipment is available at critical points along the chain.
Resolution #6
Royalty Payment on Self Grown Cereal Seeds
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties voice its concern and opposition to any method of royalty check off similar to the canola industry where the producer covers the entire burden of all of the royalty costs;
And further be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that the Federal government grant the cereal grain producer a tax credit for costs paid out in respect of the use of pedigreed seed in their seed production operation.
Response:
Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties
In the fall of 2005, the AAMD&C membership passed joint resolution 37-05F regarding royalty on self-grown cereal seed. The AAMD&C has lobbied this resolution in meetings with Minister Horner specifically with regard to the issue of royalty check offs and has made clear our position in opposition to any method similar to that of the canola industry. The association is of the understanding that no such changes are planned without extensive stakeholder consultation. The AAMD&C is also of the understanding that Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development (AAFRD) has submitted a recommendation to amend the Plant Breeders Rights Act to explicitly give producers the right to save and use their own seed.
The AAMD&C is forwarding the resolution and position on a grain producer tax credit to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in hopes that this issue may be revisited in the future. We are certain that the merits of such a tax program would far outweigh any of the associated costs. We are determined to discuss this issue further with both our provincial and federal counterparts.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
This resolution recommends that the federal government grant a cereal grain producer tax credit for costs paid out in respect to the use of pedigreed seed in their seed production operation. As this resolution concerns tax policy, I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of Resolution #6 to my colleague, Mr. Ian E. Bennett, Deputy Minister, Department of Finance.
I am sure you are aware of a study on proposed tax incentives for purchases of certified seed that was carried out under contract for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for the Special Crops Value Chain Roundtable. This study estimated that a tax credit of about 66% on certified seed purchases would be required to equate the after-tax returns of a representative Saskatchewan farm growing grains, oilseeds and pulses using certified seed with the after-tax returns of the same farm using bin run seed. Beyond the tax policy and the issues in distorting business decisions of farmers, the magnitude of such a credit raises difficulties with such proposals.
Resolution #7
Seed Content Label
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request the Provincial and Federal Governments take action to legislate the attachment of an ingredients list label to all graded seed.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Labeling of seed falls under the mandate of the Canada Seeds Act. Regulations under this Act allow for the issuance of a seed testing certificate which most retailers provide upon request by the purchaser. If requested, a seed testing certificate must be provided by the seller within 30 days. Failure to provide a certificate within the specified time is in contravention of the Seeds Act and subject to enforcement.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Since the establishment of the Seed Control Act in 1905, seed has been regulated for weed seed content in Canada. The current Seeds Act and Regulations, along with the Weed Seeds Order, provide a federal regulatory framework for weed seed control and for seed quality assurance. Weeds are also regulated under provincial legislation.
The current seed grading system has served Canadian agriculture well for many years. Most agricultural crop seed in Canada must be sampled, tested and graded prior to sale. A seed grade is a guarantee by the vendor that assures minimum standards have been met and conveys to the buyer a summary of seed quality. Canada Certified No. 1 red clover seed, for example, has no prohibited or primary noxious weed seeds per 25 g, up to 5 secondary noxious weed seeds per 25g, no more than 50 total weed seeds per 25 g, and a minimum percentage germination of 80.
Adopting mandatory weed seed labelling of seed would represent a significant regulatory change for Canada. In fact, such a change would require extensive consultation and analysis.
The recently created National Forum on Seed (NFS) would be an ideal venue for discussing this proposed change. The NFS comprises representatives from seed grower, seed trade, seed producer and other organizations, as well as the federal and provincial governments. NFS-led consultations on mandatory weed seed labelling of seed would enable a rigorous assessment of the issue, identification of options, and advice on managing any proposed change.
If you require additional information or if you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact:
Mr. Michael Scheffel, Chief, Seed Standards, Seeds Section, Plant Products Directorate, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Floor 8, Room 1018, 2 Constellation Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0Y9, Telephone: 613-225-2342 or E:mail: mscheffel@inspection.gc.ca.
Canadian Seed Growers Association
As you are likely aware, labelling of seed and the pedigreed tag are both responsibilities of CFIA through the Canada Seeds Act and Regulations.
However, CSGA is one of the lead organizations in the National Forum on Seed and we will bring it to the Forum for discussion. The National Forum on Seed met last week (March 23rd) in Winnipeg and, amongst other things, suggested a Working Group be established to look at Seed Standards and Modernization issues. I believe the resolution of your Services Board could fit nicely into those discussions.
As you are aware, the National Forum on Seed has a western provincial government representative from AAFRD - Bill Witbeck. I expect a Working Group on Seed Standards and Modernization will be convened in the late summer or fall of 2006 and the issue of seed content labelling can be addressed at that time.
Canadian Seed Institute
(Response not available)
Resolution #8
Pest Monitoring and Control Compensation Program
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development develop and fund additional pest monitoring programs such as, sampling for the presence of grasshopper egg capsules, to enhance the current monitoring programs for agricultural pests.
And further be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development develop an ongoing compensation program for all agricultural pests upon proof of pesticide purchase by the agricultural producer.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD) is committed to continuing and improving pest monitoring in Alberta in order to prepare producers and the industry as a whole for the impact of pest outbreaks. To this end the Alberta Pest Monitoring Network (APMN) has been created and is currently in the process of formalizing a structure that will strengthen its activities into the future.
Traditionally Agriculture Fieldmen and Agriculture Services Boards (ASBs) have participated in monitoring several pests across Alberta. In fact, they are instrumental in carrying out the fall grasshopper survey in which the data is used to develop the provincial and tri-provincial grasshopper forecast maps. Although the fieldmen have participated in many other pest surveys the APMN welcomes them to continue to contribute in any activities of the APMN that meets with their local priorities.
AAFRD has also made funds available through the ASB Grant Program to help offset the costs incurred by ASB’s that participate in pest monitoring and in particular the fall grasshopper survey. The APMN is interested in working with ASBs and will extend an invitation to the agricultural fieldmen to have representation on the network’s steering committee.
Although ad hoc grasshopper compensation programs have been available in the past from AAFRD, the department is moving away from peril-specific programming, and concentrating more on whole farm, income stabilization programs such as the CAIS Program. CAIS provides comprehensive support by protecting the individual farm margin from decline caused by higher costs and/or lower commodity prices. The CAIS program is evolving as AAFRD continues to review and identify areas to optimize the program response and effectiveness.
Resolution #9
Public Lands Funding for Weed and Invasive Control
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development establish $1,500,000 in yearly funding for the purpose of weed and invasive species control on areas of the bed and shore of Alberta’s rivers, streams, unoccupied and occupied public lands; and
And further be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that Weed and Invasive Species Control along Alberta’s rivers, streams, occupied and unoccupied public lands become a line item within the budget of the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Development.
Response:
Sustainable Resource Development
Weed control on vacant public land, including exposed bed and shore, is accomplished through partnership contracts with municipalities and counties. Sustainable Resource Development is committed to continuing to fund our share of these partnerships. The department also works regularly with stakeholders and disposition holders to ensure weeds are controlled on occupied public land as stipulated in the Public Lands Act, focusing on education, compliance and enforcement.
Sustainable Resource Development places a high value on positive working relationships with municipalities in both the Green and White areas of Alberta and will continue to work with municipalities and stakeholders to address invasive plants on vacant public land and bed and shore. Partnerships with all levels of the Alberta government and stakeholders alike are fundamental to effective weed control and will continue to be a priority in future.
As part of Sustainable Resource Development's commitment to weed control and invasive plant management, the department has led the formation of the Interdepartmental Alien Invasive Species Working Group to improve communication and coordination of invasive species management across government and to develop a risk management framework to better focus limited resources in the management of invasive species. The risk assessment framework will likely play a key role in determining future funding priorities for weed control.
Resolution #10
Weed Control Along Primary and Secondary Highways
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request the Provincial Government allocate sufficient funds to control the weeds and undesirable vegetation along their primary and secondary highways within the Province.
Response:
Infrastructure and Transportation
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation places a high priority on weed control within all highway rights-of-way. Department staff work closely with the Agricultural Fieldmen and maintenance contractors to determine the weed spraying requirements along each roadway within their area of responsibility. A process was also initiated in 1999 to involve the Fieldmen more directly in the weed control program by allowing them, in urgent situations, to order work directly from highway maintenance contractors or to undertake weed control using their own forces. This process has been quite successful on a provincial basis.
Expenditures for weed control have steadily increased over the past five years. The department's expenditure on weed control, increased from $1.6 million in 2001/02 to $2.9 million in 2005/06, a 44% increase. In addition, the department's expenditure for mowing increased from $3.2 million in 2001/02 to $4.0 million in 2004/05, a 20% increase. The budget for 2006/07 will be similar to 2005/06 with the cost of inflation added, however, actual expenditures may vary depending upon the amount of weed and vegetation growth that will occur this year.
The department is committed to working closely with the Agricultural Fieldmen to ensure that weed issues are dealt with quickly and that the overall weed control is provided in a timely and effective manner.
Resolution #11
Weed Control Along Railway Right-of-Ways
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development request that railways incorporate local Municipal guidelines to develop an effective weed control program to be presented to the local Agricultural Service Board by April 15th annually.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Under the Weed Control Act, railways as owners of the land on which the railway sits, are subject to the same legislation as all other landowners. This includes destroying restricted weeds, controlling noxious weeds and preventing the spread or scattering of nuisance weeds.
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development encourages cooperation between landowners and weed inspectors to develop efficient weed control programs for the given situation. A cooperative working relationship usually produces positive results which meet the weed control needs of all landowners within their municipality. If this is not possible, the Weed Control Act allows for the timely control of the weeds to be done by the local authority and charged back to the landowner.
Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway has an Integrated Vegetation Management Program (IVMP) and has been actively trying to control noxious weeds on our right-of-ways for a number of years. Our approach is to manage vegetation based on ecological and scientific principles in a safe and cost-effective manner and in full cooperation with provincial and municipal weed inspectors.
CPR has responded to all noxious weed notices promptly, couteously and in a cooperative manner. We have never limited access to weed inspectors and do not intend to do so in the future. On the contrary, we value the continuation of a good relationship with provincial authorities.
The Weed Control Act states that landowners are responsible for control of noxious weeds and eradication of restricted weeds on their lands. However, there is a common misinterpretation that noxious weeds must be eradicated which is clearly not the intention of the Act. The occurrence of restricted weeds on CPR lands is very rare and in the few instances when they are discovered, by CPR staff or weed inspectors, CPR ensures that appropriate actions are taken in an expeditious manner to ensure compliance with the Act.
For noxious weeds, CPR actively maintains an inventory of identified infestations using track mileages or GPS information as reference points. Though CPR's budget for noxious weed control is not unlimied, in 2004 and 2005, CPR was able to successfully treat in excess of 85% of the infestations that had been identified by provincial weed inspectors and/or CPR personnel. The remaining 15% could not be treated or controlled in a timely manner due to adverse weather conditions and related logistical constraints. In these instances, skipped sities are automatically given priority for treatment in the following year. CPR has a vast railway network in Alberta and it is not always possible to have the proper equipment and personnel in place at the right time to respond to all weed occurrences or weed notices. In recognition of this limitation, CPR will continue to utilize local municipal staff to augment its own contractor network to assist with the delivery of noxious weed control programs.
Contrary to the statements in your resolution, CPR does employ staff and contractors who have extensive weed control knowledge. Just like his predecessor, the recent incumbent for the Vegetation Management Specialist position at CPR, David Spata, has many years of experience with vegetation management and noxious weed control issues. In his former role as IVMP manager at BC Rail, David was an active member of several regional noxious weed control committees in BC, was the Transportation Director on the Fraser Basin Council Invasive Plant Committee and was a Director of the IVMA of BC. David has only been in the vegetation management role at CPR for a few weeks, but has already been actively corresponding with regional weed control representatives throughout Alberta to maintain an open line of communication.
Despite our best efforts to carry out consistent, cooperative, annual noxious weed control programs, the reality is that many noxious weeds, such as Toadflax, are very persistent and wide spread and do present an ongoing management challenge. As always, we look forward to working with regional representatives to hone our program as we strive to deliver some improvements in noxious weed control conditions over the longer term.
Canadian National
(Response not available)
Resolution #12
Agricultural Disaster Assistance Eligibility Criteria
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that, retroactive to the 2005 Alberta Flood Disaster, and applicable to any future federal agricultural disaster programs, that all applicants that file a farm income statement be eligible for agricultural disaster assistance.
Response:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
This rerolution recommends that, retroactive to the 2005 Alberta Flood Disaster, and applicable to any future federal agricultural disaster programs, all applicants that file a farm income statement be eligible for agricultural disaster assistance. Provincial governments design, develop, and deliver disaster financial assistance, deciding the amounts and types of assistance that will be provided to those that have experienced losses. The Government of Canada places no restrictions on provincial or territorial governments in this regard - they are free to put in place the disaster financial assistance appropriate to the particular disaster and the circumstances. A disaster recovery program, such as the 2005 Alberta Flood Disaster program, is a program put in place by the Government of Alberta. The Government of Canada reimburses eligible expenditures for such programs when they exceed $1 per capita (based on provincial population) through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangement (DFAA). As the DFAA is administered by the Minister of Public Safety, again I have taken the liberty of forwarding your letter to Margaret Bloodworth who is the Deputy Minister of that department.
I note that several resolutions make reference to rising input costs and low grain prices. Let me assure you that the Government of Canada ia aware of the challenging economic situation facing Canadian farmers which was compounded by particularily difficult growing and harvesting conditions in 2005. I am pleased to report that concrete steps have already been taken to address the current farm income situation. Recognizing that producers need immediate short-term assistance to meet their financial obligations this Spring, the federal government has accelerated the payout of the $755 million announced under the Grains and Oilseeds Payment Program last November, 2005.
We also need to look at the longer term as well as dealing with immediate needs. We are and will continue to consult with people in the sector, with the provinces and territories to take a fresh look at how we can help farmers grow their income and get them more involved in the production and marketing decisions of the value chain. A concentrated effort and dedicated partnership is necessary between the various governments and industry in order to extend profitability throughout all of the value chain, including the farm.
Resolution #13
Recycling of Agricultural Plastics
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request the Department of Environment and Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development encourage private industry to recycle the bale and silage bag/ bale covers.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
There is an important role for the Agricultural Service Boards to provide awareness on recycling programs in their area. Also support of this practice by private industry would be considered a positive message that could result in significant benefits for both the municipal landfills and the environment.
Alberta Environment is responsible and provides leadership for recycling programs in Alberta. AAFRD also agrees that recycling bale and silage bag/bale covers is an important environmentally responsible practice but does not participate directly in any related recycling programs or have any related resource materials. However, we would be willing to promote the awareness of bale and silage bag/bale cover recycling to private industry through our extension staff, the Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture (AESA) Program, the AESA Council, Regional AESA Committees, Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (AEFP) Company and the Rural Extension Staff.
Alberta Environment
Alberta Environment is aware of the particular challenges relating to the management of agricultural plastics and supports the resolution to encourage private industry to recycle the baler twine and silage bag/bale covers. Historically, we have looked for opportunities to do so.
There were several initiatives undertaken in the last 15 years that were ultimately unsuccessful, the major obstacles being availability of well researched and developed markets, quality requirements for the material, and the inability to rationalize and cover the costs of a collection infrastructure.
Alberta Environment understands circumstances have changed somewhat and there is one private sector business in particular that is now taking an interest in agricultural plastics. Raydar Recycling Ltd. in Calgary is receiving this material and have strong markets in China. The Count of Newell is currently collecting the material and there is a pilot project underway in the M.D. of Rocky View for the collection of these plastics. In addition, the Town of Rimbey is looking at a waste to energy facility and are cognizant of the proliferation of binder twien and silage bags in central Alberta and have indicated an interest in this plastic as a feedstock.
These initiatives are important steps towards the establishment of a viable recycling system and are being monitored by Alberta Environment staff. Staff are also making sure municipalities are aware of the opportunities and are linking them with the right people. Mr. Dave Whitfield, Waste Reduction Specialist, Alberta Environment, is central to this effort and can be contacted in Calgary at (403) 297-8255.
Alberta Environment will continue to offer our assistance as required to ensure that progress is made towards the recovery and recycling of this difficult to manage waste stream.
Resolution #14
Own Use Import Program
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request the federal government and its regulatory agencies maintain the current regulations and be more responsive and timely in the handling of applications for the Own Use Import Program.
Response:
Health Canada
As indicated in your recently passed Alberta Agricultural Service Board Resolution #14, a Task Force has been launched to review the issues surrounding the OUI program and to develop recommendations for consideration by Health Canada. The Task Force membership is broad and representative to ensure a balanced review. Grower groups are particularly well represented on the Task Force (see attached membership list).
It should be noted that the concerns outlined in your correspondence were shared by several members of the Task Force and these issues were clearly identified to the group.
The Task Force approach has been widely supported by a number of stakeholders, including those participating in the process. The group has been working very hard over the past several months towards a consensus position on recommendations. This work is nearing completion and we anticipate a report from the Task Force by April 2006. Health Canada will carefully consider the recommendations delivered by the Task Force prior to making any changes to the OUI program.
Own Use Import Task Force Members and Alternates:
Trish MacQuarrie, Director, Pest Management Regulatory Agency
Phone: 613-736-3660
Karen McCullagh, Director, Pest Management Regulatory Agency
Phone: 613-736-3486
Angela Rickman, The Sierra Club of Canada
Phone: 613-241-1839
Elizabeth May, Executive Director, The Sierra Club of Canada (Alternate)
Phone: 613-241-4611
Mark Ziegler, Deputy Director, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Phone: 613-694-2349
Amrane Boumghar, Senior Market Development Officer, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Alternate)
Phone: 613-759-6298
Christine Moran, Executive Director, Grain Growers of Canada
Phone: 613-233-9954
Ernie Doerksen, General Manager, Canadian Canola Growers Association (Alternate)
Phone: 204-745-2256
Gary Brown, Canadian Horticultural Council
Phone: 902-686-3254
Craig Hunter, Canadian Horticultural Council (Alternate)
Phone: 519-763-6160 ext. 119
Jock McIntosh, Pesticide Specialist, Alberta Environment
Phone:780-427-0031
Jim Mann, President and CEO, Farmers of North America
Phone: 306-665-2294
Craig Kury, Vice President Business/Corporate Development, Farmers of North America (Alternate)
Phone: 306-665-2294
Mark Goodwin, Pulse Canada
Phone: 204-782-2083
Gordon Bacon, CEO, Pulse Canada (Alternate)
Phone: 204-925-4452
Cameron Wilk, Saskatchewan Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
Phone: 306-787-2195
Glenn Payne, Grain Research Economist, Economic and Commodity Analysis (Alternate)
Phone: 306-787-8057
Bob Evans, President, Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers
Phone: 306-862-9811
Jacqueline Ryrie, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (Alternate)
Phone: 204-989-9303
Lorne Hepworth, President, CropLife Canada
Phone: 416-622-9771
Cam Davreux, Vice President Stewardship, CropLife Canada (Alternate)
Phone: 416-622-9771
Peter MacLeod, Executive Director, CropLife Canada
Phone: 416-622-9771
Debra Conlon, Managing Director, CropLife Canada (Alternate)
Phone: 416-622-9771
Bob Friesen, President, Canadian Federation of Agriculture
Phone: 613-236-3633
Shannon Watt, Environmental Policy Analyst, Canadian Federation of Agriculture (Alternate)
Phone: 613-294-5995
Associate member:
Dr. Neil Arya, Ontario College of Family Physicians
Phone: 519-886-2643
Secretariat:
Pierre Petelle, Pest Management Regulatory Agency
Phone: 613-736-3923
Jason Flint, Pest Management Regulatory Agency (Alternate)
Phone: 613-736-3914
Observer:
Jon Bagley, Canadian Aerial Applicators Assoc.
Phone: 204-763-8998
Emergent Resolution #E1
Fusarium Graminearum
Be it resolved: That Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request that Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development consider as a recommendation during the review of the current Fusarium Graminearum Management Plan, a zero percent tolerance level of Fusarium Graminearum in cereal seed samples.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD) is also concerned about this potential threat to our agriculture industry. The goal of the Alberta Fusarium graminearum Management Plan (FgMP) is to delay the spread and establishment of FHB until resistant crop varieties are developed.
Recent disease surveys by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Grain Commission are showing that Fg is becoming established in southern Alberta especially in highly susceptible durum and soft white spring wheat grown under irrigation. Seed growers in southern Alberta are starting to see some fields infected with low levels of Fg. The pathogen, however, is still rarely found in central and northern Alberta. The Alberta Fusarium Action Committee (FAC) consisting of representatives from various sectors (grain, livestock and government) of the agricultural industry is discussing various options to address the changing situation in Alberta. However, the FAC is having a difficult time coming to a resolution on this issue.
Given these circumstances and that seeding is fast approaching, AAFRD has decided to maintain, as you have requested, the zero-tolerance policy for Fg on cereal and corn seed intended for planting for the 2006 growing season. We intend to increase our monitoring and awareness campaigns this year and revisit the issue after this coming growing season. |
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