| | 2013 Resolutions in Printable PDF Format
2013 Agricultural Service Board Resolutions
Resolution #1 |
Weed Control in Provincial Waterways |
Resolution #2 |
Inclusion of all Invasive Hawkweed Species as Prohibited Noxious under the Alberta Weed Control Act and Regulation |
Resolution #3 |
Reporting Rats |
Resolution #4 |
Wild Boar Eradication Initiative |
Resolution #5 |
Agricultural Pests Act Review/Invasive Species Act |
Resolution #6 |
Composition of Soil Conservation Appeal Committee |
Resolution #7 |
Pesticide Container Collection Program - DEFEATED |
Resolution #8 |
Timeliness of Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC) on farm hail investigations |
Resolution #9 |
Comprehensive Coverage of Wildlife Damage to Honey and Leafcutter Bee Structures - DEFEATED |
Resolution #10 |
Continuation of the Prairie Shelterbelt Program |
Resolution #11 |
Short Term Solid Manure Storage |
Resolution #12 |
Agri-Environment Services Branch staffing |
Resolution #13 |
Modernization of Seed Cleaning Plants - DEFEATED |
Resolution #1
Weed Control in Provincial Waterways
Therefore be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development review their current weed control programming and funding for bed and shore of waterbodies, to ensure the effectiveness of the program, as well as implementing a monitoring and assessment program to ensure that weed populations are dealt with proactively.
Response:
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Areas of weed infestations often occur across public and private lands. To most effectively deal with weed infestations, our department works co-operatively with adjacent land owners.
Annually, the department budgets about $150,000 for partnerships with municipalities throughout the province to proactively deal with weeds on public land, including the bed and shores of provincial waterways. In 2012 -13, our department spent almost $165,000 on 28 agreements with 18 municipal districts and counties.
Throughout the province, our department’s agrologists collaborate with the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen to identify areas of concern, align our priorities with those of the local municipalities, and determine the best mechanism for weed control. Environment and Sustainable Resource Development encourages municipalities to continue working with our local area staff to identify and control weeds through mutually beneficial partnership agreements.
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Since crown land is administered by Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) and the WCO does not include waterways, this issue should be dealt with by ESRD.
Resolution #2
Inclusion of all Invasive Hawkweed Species as Prohibited Noxious under the Alberta Weed Control Act and Regulation
Therefore be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development immediately revise the Alberta Weed Control Act Regulation to include all non-native Hawkweed species, as recommended by the Alberta Weed Regulatory Advisory Committee.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
ARD has a process in place for the addition of species to the regulated weed lists that is based on a scientific basis. Let the AWRAC committee make the recommendation to the Minister to add other hawkweeds to the existing regulation list. After the recommendation is submitted, the Minister will decide on updating the list of regulated species.
Resolution #3
Reporting Rats
Therefore be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development make it a requirement, under the Agricultural Pests Act, that individuals and especially commercial pest control companies, finding a Norway Rat, be required by law to report the presence of the pest, alive or dead, to provincial Pest Inspectors.
Further be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development immediately take steps to inform pest control companies and the public that notification of the presence of rats, dead or alive, is required by law.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
The Agricultural Pests Act is the only Act that deals with pests such as the Norway rat. This act was originally scheduled to be heard in the Legislature in 2014 but has been delayed until 2016. The review of this Act has been assigned to the Pest Management Branch of Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD). This review has included consultation with various stakeholders including the Agricultural Service Boards.
The contents of this resolution will be provided to the Pest Management Branch for consideration during the review process.
The Inspection and Investigation Branch of Regulatory Services Division, and in particular the Rat and Pest Specialist Phil Merrill, has been proactive in the operation of the Rat Control Program.
A generic response plan for municipalities outside the rat control zone has been developed after an infestation in Medicine Hat was discovered and eradicated last fall. This plan will be distributed to all Agricultural Fieldmen and Pest Control Officers in the Province as well as all urban municipalities as a draft guide for their use and implementation. Contained in this response plan is the protocol that all confirmed rat sightings and confirmed rat infestations are to be reported to ARD’s Rat and Pest Specialist.
This reporting would be completed by the Pest Control Officer or the commercial pest control company involved. Compliance of this new reporting protocol will be monitored by the Rat and Pest Specialist.
Resolution #4
Wild Boar Eradication Initiative
Therefore be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development fast track and initiate a “Provincial Strategy to eradicate Wild Boar as a Pest in Alberta", followed by a 100% guaranteed escapeless penning regulations and enforcement program to address Wild boar in captivity.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Agriculture and Rural Development recognizes that the wild boar pest problem continues to increase and Regulatory Services Division (RSD) has been focused on dealing with the issue in two stages. The first stage will be to look at the need for a regulation to stop the escape of farmed boars. The second stage will be to enhance or develop a program to eradicate the wild boar.
In November 2011, a RSD working group started the review process. In June 2012, a consultation paper was prepared with the concept that it should be sent to all stakeholders. The consultation paper focused primarily on the identification and containment issues for farmed wild boar. Since then, a new approach for the consultation process was development.
On February 11, 2013 an action plan was implemented by RSD focusing on known problem areas throughout the province.
RSD staff has been assigned the task of contacting and interviewing Agricultural Fieldmen, all known Wild Boar producers, affected landowners/neighbors, and municipalities respectively. The purpose of these interviews and visits will be to determine the extent of the wild boar problem with the goal of solving this issue in the Province of Alberta. Those assigned to interview Agricultural Fieldmen will also have the responsibility of determining if any other known Wild Boar producers exist within their respective counties for the purpose of interviewing those individuals as well. Various survey questions have been prepared for these visits including seeking suggestions on confinement and eradication.
All of the information gathered will be tabulated, reviewed, and then recommendations will be provided to the Minister by April 5, 2013.
Resolution #5
Agricultural Pests Act Review/Invasive Species Act
Therefore be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that the Government of Alberta reconsider the priority of the review of the Agricultural Pests Act and schedule it for reading in the Legislature in the fall of 2014.
Further be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that the Government of Alberta fast track the IIASWG to identify recommendations to create an Invasive Species Act, to be proactive and address alien invasive species that pose a significant environmental, recreational and social risk and cost to all of Alberta.
Response:
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
The Government of Alberta is aware of the concerns, risks, and potential impact of invasive species on the environment and economy. Better monitoring and reporting will enable earlier and more focused response to invasive species occurrences. Environment and Sustainable Resource Development as well as other outside agencies are developing further programs and tools for invasive species monitoring and reporting.
The Interdepartmental Invasive Alien Species Working Group co-ordinates activities to address threats and risks to agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. This group has representatives from four provincial government departments and may be an appropriate venue to review the benefits and costs of developing a stand-alone Invasive Species Act.
The Crown Managers Partnership is another venue to address policy gaps and opportunities from an interjurisdictional perspective. The partnership has designated multi-jurisdictional teams to develop monitoring programs. Key areas of focus for these teams include policy, legislation, and planning related to invasive species in Western Canada.
Team membership currently includes the Crown Managers Partnership; Environment and Sustainable Resource Development; Tourism, Parks and Recreation; Agriculture and Rural Development; Parks Canada – Waterton National Park; and irrigation districts. A transboundary directors group, drawn from various provincial departments and Waterton Lakes National Park, is providing direction and endorsing support for the initiative.
In Alberta, monitoring programs for Eurasian Water Milfoil, zebra mussels, and quagga mussels are being developed as pilot programs in southern Alberta for 2013. We are also ensuring that the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan addresses aquatic invasive species, and are considered as the Oldman Watershed Council and the Milk River Watershed Alliance develop integrated watershed management plans.
The Government of Alberta is also co-ordinating with other western provinces to provide input into the development of federal legislation on aquatic invasive species.
If you have any further questions, please contact Mr. Brooks Horne, the current co-chair representing Environment and Sustainable Resource Development on the Interdepartmental Invasive Alien Species Working Group. Mr. Horne can be reached at 780-422-0143 or at brooks.horne@gov.ab.ca.
Alberta Transportation
Alberta Transportation continues to have a representative as a member of the Interdepartmental Invasive Alien Species Working Group (IIASWG) and supports the development of an Agricultural Pests Act to address all pests, including terrestrial,aquatic and sem-aquatic invasive species.
Although Alberta Transportation is interested in matters related to this act, the responsibility for its introduction lies with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Thank you for your letter of February 11, 2013 regarding the Agricultural Service Boards Resolution #5, the review of the Agricultural Pests Act. Department staff are in the process of reviewing the resolution in relation to the business of our department.
Agriculture and Rural Development is the lead agency for this legislation. Tourism, Parks and Recreation will be providing our feedback to Deputy Minister John Knapp when our review has been completed, for a coordinated Government of Alberta response.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, as well as providing the opportunity to review and provide feedback.
Alberta Municipal Affairs
Thank you for your letter outlining concerns relating to invasive species and the Agricultural Pests Act (APA).
Municipal pest control issues are under the jurisdiction of Alberta Agricultural and Rural Development (AARD).
I understand that you have also shared this information with Mr. John Knapp, Deputy Minister of AARD. I encourage you to continue working with AARD to address your concerns.
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
ARD will work with other Ministries in developing an IAS for the spring of 2016 scheduled reading.
Resolution #6
Composition of Soil Conservation Appeal Committee
Therefore be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development review the current legislations and standardize the criteria for appeal committee composition, to ensure enabling legislations are aligned with the Weed Control Act, which legislates an independent appointed panel to determine appeals (regardless of whether there exists an Agricultural Service Board).
Response:
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Agriculture and Rural Development would like to assure the Agricultural Service Board membership that when the Soil Conservation Act is next opened for review it is our intention to engage the Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee in the legislative review process.
The Soil Conservation Act is not currently scheduled for legislative review.
Agriculture and Rural Development will retain these legislative suggestions for a future review of the Act.
By working in partnership we believe we can ensure the Act if effectively meeting the needs of and is aligned with the other Acts administered by the Alberta Agricultural Service Boards, as well as achieving the soil conservation goals needed to protect this priceless resource.
Resolution #7
Pesticide Container Collection Program
DEFEATED AT THE AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE - JANUARY 2013
Resolution #8
Timeliness of Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC) on farm hail investigations
Therefore be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that AFSC undertake to have adequate and qualified staff in place, on retention if needed, to ensure hail investigations take place with minimal delay to harvest operations.
Response:
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation
Thank you for your letter and the attached resolution, we appreciate the opportunity to respond to the issue identified in the resolution.
The resolution states:
“That AFSC undertake to have adequate and qualified staff in place, on retention if needed, to ensure hail investigations take place with minimal delay to harvest operations”
AFSC recognizes the effect delayed hail inspections have on clients waiting for an adjuster, especially during harvest. 2012 was an extraordinary year for hail claims with over 11,000 claims which is more than double the historical average. After reviewing 2012, our adjusting management team is initiating some changes to processes and staffing designed to reduce wait times for our clients while maintaining the integrity of our loss assessments. These changes will also result in fewer clients having to leave strips for the adjuster. The changes include:
- Finalizing claims with light damage caused by early storms vs. deferring these claims. This results in only one farm visit as compared to two visits for these claims
- For claims that need to be deferred to arrive at a fair loss assessment the work required on the initial inspection is being reduced to save time
- For fields with severe (over 90%) hail damage the number of counts required will be reduced, this will also save time
- Continued reduction in paperwork through improvements in the IT and GPS systems that support adjusting
- Hiring summer students with an agricultural background to assist adjusters during hail season from May until September
We expect that the combined effect of these initiatives will significantly reduce the amount of time clients will have to wait for an adjuster and consequently the number of clients who will have to leave strips because of harvest.
In addition to the changes listed above we are looking at various communication channels to ensure clients waiting for an adjuster know what their options are and when to expect the adjuster to visit their farm.
Your resolution suggests that AFSC keep some adjusters on retainer to help when claim volumes are high. Hiring summer students to assist adjusters partly addresses this. We have looked at keeping qualified adjusters on retainer but decided against this approach for the following reasons:
- Cost, keeping adjusters on retainer who are not required except during high claim years is expensive
- Adjusting requires skills and knowledge that must be kept current; it is difficult to maintain a group of adjusters who are trained and ready to step in when claims are high
- We are able to hire qualified people into adjusting partly because we can guarantee a minimum amount of work. Attracting applicants into a retainer role would be very difficult in Alberta’s labor market
Again, thank you for your letter. At AFSC we are constantly looking for ways to improve our processes and gain efficiencies while maintaining the integrity of our programs. While the initiatives listed above are different from the solutions suggested in your resolution, I believe they will achieve the results both our organizations are looking for.
Resolution #9
Comprehensive Coverage for Wildlife Damage to Honey and Leafcutter Bee Structures
DEFEATED AT THE AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE - JANUARY 2013
Resolution #10
Continuation of the Prairie Shelterbelt Program
Therefore be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that the Government of Canada continues the Prairie Shelterbelt Program to the benefit of all Canadians.
Further be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request:
that the Provincial Government of Alberta extensively lobby the Federal Government to reinstate this important program that serves the needs of their rural constituents in such a meaningful way.
Further be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request:
that the Federal Government provide 55% of the funding to operate a Prairie Shelterbelt Program, with the remaining 45% split equally between Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Response:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Thank you for your letter regarding the conclusion of the Prairie Shelterbelt Program. I appreciate being made aware of your concerns and the related resolution from the January 2013 Agricultural Service Board conference.
As you mention, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has a long record of working successfully with the agricultural sector and rural landowners to produce and distribute trees in Western Canada to reduce erosion in support of the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture and the stewardship of the land. That said, the cropping systems used in Canada have undergone significant improvements that have contributed to the resilience and the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector. Consequently, the growing and distribution of tree seedlings is no longer an appropriate role for the federal government, although there remain a number of environmental, economic and communal benefits to including trees into the agricultural landscape.
The Department is working with other non-government entities to ensure that a new private business model for tree distribution is developed to serve western Canadian producers. Furthermore, there is a vibrant and growing nursery industry on the Prairies that has expressed interest in filling certain niches once occupied by the free tree distribution of the Prairie Shelterbelt Program.
As you have described, trees provide ongoing value to the agricultural landscape. AAFC, through its new Science and Technology Branch, will continue to support agroforestry efforts in Canada with respect to the profitability, productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems.
I appreciate your acknowledgement of the value of the Prairie Shelterbelt Program, and I hope this information clearly indicates that AAFC is continuing to address the future of agroforestry on the Prairies.
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Agriculture and Rural Development has been in discussion with the Federal Government regarding the Prairie Shelterbelt Program and will continue our dialogue in the future. Through these discussions we have been made aware that a few private operators are investigating the opportunity to purchase the property and running the centre as a for-profit business.
Agriculture and Rural Development continues to develop the details of the Growing Forward 2 Programs, including the On-Farm Stewardship Program. Through this program producers will have opportunities to recover a high percent of their costs associated with riparian restoration which will include tree establishment in those areas.
Resolution #11
Short Term Solid Manure Storage
Therefore be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development bring forward to the AOPA Policy Advisory Group the review of short term solid manure storage as it pertains to setback distances from residences as it does not include places of public gathering or roadways.
Response:
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
As a member of the Policy Advisory Group, the AAMDC is encouraged to bring forward issues that fall under the AOPA to that group for discussion.
Although the Policy Advisory Group discussion often identifies areas of concern with the legislation, the Policy Advisory Group is not the venue for making legislative changes. However, Agriculture and Rural Development does document and take suggestions for legislative changes on an ongoing basis.
The concerns regarding gaps related to “Short Term Solid Manure Storage” have now been documented for future AOPA review
Resolution #12
Agri-Environment Services Branch staffing
Therefore be it resolved that Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards request
that the federal government reconsider their direction and re-open and re-staff offices in rural communities to an appropriate number of staff that will allow programs to be carried out efficiently before their connection to the community is lost.
Response:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Thank you for your letter regarding the resolution from the delegates at the Agricultural Service Board Provincial Conference in January 2013 on programs at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). I appreciate being made aware of your thoughts on this matter. Furthermore, I thank you for noting the valuable service that staff from the Agri-Environment Services Branch has provided to farming communities in Alberta.
AAFC strives to be a leader in designing and implementing responsive programs and services that contribute to a profitable and sustainable agriculture and agri-food sector. The Department is thus currently evolving the way it delivers programs and services to clients in order to enhance efficiencies and increase stakeholder satisfaction. Through partnerships with provinces and third parties, AAFC is enhancing and improving the delivery of programs and services. This allows the Department to put staff and knowledge in those places where they can make the most difference for the sector.
Furthermore, AAFC has created the new Science and Technology Branch, formed by combining the Agri-Environment Services Branch and the Research Branch. This network of scientists extends across the country and is working together to address issues in many different locations.
As the agriculture sector evolves, so do the programs that AAFC researchers work within to support the economic sustainability of the sector. The Department is committed to managing its own expenditures effectively and efficiently and to providing service excellence throughout all of its centres and sites across Canada, as it supports a vibrant agriculture, agri-food, and agri-products sector.
I would also like to mention that with the three new federal Growing Forward 2 programs (AgriInnovation, AgriMarketing and AgriCompetitiveness) coming into effect on April 1, 2013, opportunities will soon be available for industry-led projects where organizations such as the Agricultural Service Board can work in conjunction with department staff and industry partners on specific projects of relevance. To view the regularly updated information on Growing Forward 2, you may wish to consult AAFC’s website at
www.agr.gc.ca/growingforward2.
Again thank you for writing. I trust that this information is of assistance to you.
Resolution #13
Modernization of Seed Cleaning Plants
DEFEATED AT THE AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE - JANUARY 2013 |
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