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Merged Alberta crop groups take a new name

Jul 18, 2023 | 4:54 PM

Two farmer-directed organizations, Alberta Barley, and the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) have a new name and logo for their merged commission.

Alberta Grains will begin operating in place of the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions on Aug. 1.

The commissions started the process in 2017 by implementing a shared management structure, consulting with a farmer sub-committee and consulting with the province’s wheat and barley farmers. In October 2022, Alberta wheat and barley farmers voted overwhelmingly in favour of amalgamating the commissions through two plebiscites.

AWC chair Greg Sears said he is pleased to join forces with Alberta Barley.

“Our new organization will be focused on delivering value to our farmers and other stakeholders while contributing to the growth and sustainability of the grain industry in Alberta,” Sears said.

Alberta Barley chair Tara Sawyer said both boards are proud of the collaboration and focus over the past two years.

“This announcement is an exciting step forward for our organizations and the agricultural sector in Alberta,” Sawyer said. “Our hope is that through the new commission, we will continue to add value and further fiscal and operational efficiencies.”

Alberta Grains will create a unified voice for the province’s 18,000 wheat and barley farmers and will bring together the resources, knowledge, and experience to benefit its membership.

The new logo of Alberta Grains represents the grains that are grown in the province, with a modern and clean design that reflects the organization’s vision of strength and ‘better together’ mantra.

Draft bylaws for the new commission are also available on the information hub and will be open for consultation until July 25.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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