Join the commissions’ farmer governance
Are you an Albertan wheat or barley farmer who is interested in making a difference in agricultural policy, governance, research, extension, advocacy and market development? If so, we are looking for you to join the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) as a director, director-at-large, or regional representative or Alberta Barley as a director, director-at-large, or delegate to help drive Albertan agriculture forward.
“Elected farmer representation on both commission boards and committees are critical to their activities,” says AWC chair, Greg Sears. “Farmer voices provide not only governance and guidance for the organization but also the direct, visible link between the farm gate, decision-makers in government and the value chain.”
AWC and Alberta Barley are farmer-driven organizations that work on behalf of the farmers to achieve tangible results that benefit all growers within the province. Although the commissions share a single staff, they eachhaveaseparateboardofdirectorsanddelegates.Bothfarmer- led boards of directors and delegates represent producers within their respective regions and provide strategic direction to AWC and Alberta Barley management.
“In my time with AWC, I have been involved in the research, policy, markets and governance committees,” shares AWC Region 2 director, Devin Hartzler. “I have learned so much about what the commission does to support research and development, the relationship we have with the government and the advocacy we can be involved in for our industry. As a board, we are in a position to speak up for producers in the province to ensure their needs are well heard and represented.”
This fall, both commissions will be accepting nominations for producers to join the board of directors and delegate leadership teams. Positions open for nominations include:
Alberta Barley
- Region 1 – four delegates
- Region 2 - eight delegates
- Region 3 - one director, two delegates
- Region 4 - one director, two delegates
- Region 5 - three delegates
- Region 6 - four delegates
- Other - one director-at-large for regions from 1,2,5, or 6
Alberta Wheat Commission
- Region 1 – two directors, three regional reps
- Region 5 – two directors, three regional reps
Nomination forms for all positions must be signed by at least three eligible producers from within the nominee’s region, and be accompanied by the written consent of the eligible producer who is being nominated as a director or regional rep in that region. Nominations for all open positions must be submitted by October 31, 2022. Voting will occur at regional meetings throughout November, as listed below:
Region 1: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 The Coast – Lethbridge, AB
Region 2: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 Acme Community Centre – Acme, AB
Region 3: Friday, November 18, 2022 Lacombe Memorial Centre – Lacombe, AB
Region 4: Wednesday, November 23, 2022 Vegreville Social Centre – Vegreville, AB
Region 5: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 Westlock Community Hall – Westlock, AB
Region 5/6: Friday, November 25, 2022 Rycroft Ag Centre – Rycroft, AB
All farmers running for a position must have produced wheat or barley in the region they are running for and paid a check-off on barley or wheat respectively in the past two crop years. To run for the open director-at- largeposition,afarmermustgrowbarleyinoneoftheeligibleregions, which includes Regions 1, 2, 5 or 6.
“As a producer, I think it’s important to have engaged farmers at the table to ensure their voice is heard,” says Alberta Barley chair, Tara Sawyer.
“We all have a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge to share, that is why I encourage everyone to consider putting their name forward for a delegate or director position. If you are passionate about our industry and are an active farmer then there is space for you.”
To learn more about our election process, please contact communications and events manager Megan Evans at mevans@albertawheatbarley.com.