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Amalgamated Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions look for first directors

Oct 17, 2023 | 2:55 PM

Alberta Grains has opened farmer nominations to be a part of the first Alberta Grains board of directors.

Farmers from across all six growing regions in the province can be nominated to run for one of twelve open director positions, comprised of two from each region.

Directors will lead the organization by advising on its priorities of research, agronomic extension, government relations and policy, national and international markets, and the FarmCash cash advance program while supporting the commission’s governance, events, and industry-focused publications.

Interim Chair Tara Sawyer, who farms near the Village of Acme, said all farmers are encouraged to apply.

“All it takes to be a director is a good head on your shoulders, and a willingness to speak up and strive for positive change, no matter how steep the roadblocks,” Sawyer said.

Interim vice-chair Jason Lenz said while it is a new chapter for the commission, Alberta Grains has 40 years of combined farmer-led advocacy efforts.

“It is a very exciting time to take on a leadership role within our industry,” Lenz said. “The commissions have made profound impacts on grain farmers throughout the years; however, key issues continue to emerge and require ongoing participation from local farmers. Get involved to help ensure growing wheat or barley remains profitable and sustainable for current and future generations.”

To be eligible to run for a director position, farmers must have grown or sold wheat or barley and paid a check-off to Alberta Wheat or Alberta Barley in either the current or previous two fiscal years and produce at least one of the crops within the region of which they are running.

Nominators must reside or farm in the same region as the individual being nominated.

Nomination forms can be sent via email, mail, or fax by the end of the day on Oct. 31.

More information on the election process is available here.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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