Working For You

 


 

Canadian Federation of Agriculture

The Alberta Federation of Agriculture is the general farm organization representing Alberta producers at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA). The CFA is the most powerful farm lobby group in Ottawa - representing over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families through its members. As a member, AFA is able to ensure that the concerns of all Alberta farmers are addressed at the national and international levels.

Agricultural Policy

AFA remains actively engaged in agricultural policy discussions at the federal and provincial levels.  We continue to press for a more robust research environment at the federal level, including production research. We are always working to strengthen and where necessary, clarify the benefits available to producers through business risk management programs. 

 

Young Farmers

AFA recognizes that young farmers are essential to a vibrant agricultural industry in the future. We are strong advocates of both the Canadian Young Farmers' Forum and their provincial organization, Alberta Young Farmers & Ranchers.

 

Surface Rights

AFA has a proud history of involvement with surface rights legislation in Alberta, and we were instrumental in the development of the Surface Rights Act as we know it today. We continue to acknowledge the serious challenges that orphaned and abandoned wells can often present for farmers, sometimes leading to water contamination and other environmental damage.  We continue to stand for farmers land rights by advocating that land health should always be the first priority.

 

Research and Development

AFA has continually supported organizations, such as the Western Grains Research Foundation, that maintain objectives and focus on research.

 

Environmental Responsibility

Environmental and sustainable agriculture is a goal for all producers. AFA provides effective representation on several environmental committees including the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan and the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG) which is made up of 20 stakeholder groups ranging from commodity associations to rural municipalities to retailers.  AFA continues to support markets that monetize greenhouse gas reductions and associated supply chain data.

 

Farm Safety

The Alberta Federation of Agriculture supports mandatory WCB for farm operators, the inclusion of agriculture in employment standards and the application of OH&S to all agricultural operations.  We continue to support common sense safety protocols for farm operators and employers and believe that in order to attract the kind of skilled labour our industry requires, our employees should be subject to the same employment standards as employees in other major industries.

 

Plant Breeder's Rights & Seed Royalties

AFA is advocating for further consultation and exploration of a value creation model that addresses a number of principles we believe are fundamental to ensure they reflect the interests of Canadian producers. These include:
 
  • Maintain and enhance public research, development and finishing of new varieties;
  • Preserve or enhance current public funding; 
  • Be transparent with producer involvement; 
  • Maintain the privilege of farm saved seed; 
  • Incorporate systems that are administered in a fair and equitable manner; and 
  • Ensure producers can remain competitive in the world marketplace

Transportation

As an exporting country, the Alberta Federation of Agriculture believes that Canada needs reliable and efficient transportation infrastructure to cost effectively move product to export positions. We continue to advocate for a full costing review to ensure that the MRE program is accurate and fair for all those involved.