Carbon, technology and sustainability discussed at AFA’s 2020 AGM and Conference

At the AFA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Nisku on January 21 and 22, 2020, producers, industry partners, students and representatives from several agricultural organizations gathered together to discuss current issues facing Alberta producers. The following is a recap of the meeting.

Sustainability actions spearheaded in the province

Speaker Tom Lynch-Staunton, Chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) Scientific Advisory Committee  and Policy Manager for Alberta Beef Producers, spoke passionately about the activities the CRSB has undertaken to share the message of sustainable beef, set up a framework for certification, working with farm and ranch operators to become certified, the food retailers they are working closely with, and more.

Tom Lynch-Staunton on the CRSB sustainability activities.

Tom also shared the current projects the CRSB is working on including species at risk on agricultural lands and consumer perceptions of beef sustainability. “People like the concept of sustainability,” Tom said. “It makes sense to them and that’s a good sign for us.” Find out more about the CRSB here https://youtu.be/9ktl0ZYRmE4.

Ted Menzies with information from the CRSC.

Speaker Ted Menzies presented on behalf of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops and expressed the need for a Code of Practice for cereals, oilseeds and special crops to establish a baseline to show what crop producers are doing is sustainable in improving air, water and soil quality.

Currently, there is no baseline Code of Practice for crops to show consumers and customers, and participation in sustainable practices by producers is voluntary. This crops Code of Practice would be complementary to other programs like Environmental Farm Plans. “We grow some of the most sustainable crops in the world,” Ted said, “but we need to talk about the ways we do that. It’s about proving what we are already doing is right.”

Ben Wilson, filmmaker, shares his perspectives on storytelling in agriculture.

We were pleased to screen the new documentary Guardians of the Grasslands and have one of the film’s creators, Ben Wilson of Story Brokers Media House, with us to share his advice on the best ways to tell stories in agriculture. “Storytelling without a strategy is just monologuing,” Ben said. He stressed the importance of two-way engagement with audiences and shared ways to do that. While the documentary has not yet been made public, Ben encouraged anyone who wants to privately screen Guardians of the Grasslands can reach out to them on their website. https://guardiansofthegrasslands.ca

Dr. Edward Bork discusses the effects of grazing on soil carbon.

After seeing the inspiring documentary about grasslands, a natural follow up was the discussion from Dr. Edward Bork, Mattheis Chair, Rangeland Ecology & Management with the University of Alberta. Dr. Bork and his team are studying the role of grasslands in carbon storage and looking at the effects of grazing on soil carbon. He presented the many benefits of grasslands to society and said they are investigating whether adjusting grazing management practices can increase carbon storage and pointed out that these gains may have economic value for producers.

Update and directions from Canadian Farm Leaders

L-R: Todd Lewis, Mary Robinson & Lynn Jacobson. Humphrey Banack (background) moderated.

Our Canadian Farm Leaders Panel spoke about issues of importance in Canadian agriculture. Mary Robinson, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Todd Lewis, President of the Agricultural Producers of Saskatchewan (APAS) and Lynn Jacobson, AFA President, shared their thoughts on carbon tax, environmental stewardship, farm labour and opportunities in Canadian agriculture, with AFA Director Humphrey Banack moderating.

Questions from the audience included issues dealing with deadlines for mandatory entry-level training (MELT), farm labour shortages, how agriculture can speak with a common voice, and more. Later in the afternoon, CFA President Mary Robinson updated  us about the advocacy CFA is undertaking on behalf of Canadian producers to ensure Canadian agriculture thrives. She shared activities on Business Risk Management, farm labour, grain transportation, rural infrastructure and more.

Lakeland College students hear about agriculture policy from Bob Friesen.

While the Canadian Farm Leaders Panel was underway, student attendees from the Lakeland College Agribusiness Marketing and Livestock program enjoyed a break out session and workshop on agriculture policy with expert Bob Friesen.

AgSat: a new tool for Canadian producers offered by AFA and Aquanty

Steve Frey from Aquanty on the new AFA-Aquanty online tool AgSat.

An important part of sustainability is the ability to use digital tools to help make decisions on the farm. AFA AGM attendees got an update on the development of AgSat, the new remote sensing platform owned by AFA and designed by Aquanty that provides producers with access to important essential data for their land at an accessible price.

Today, Canadian farm producers are using field and production data more than ever before to manage their operations. Producers have access to a wide variety of data and precision farming services, but these services can be complex and require a consultant to interpret or use the information on the farm. While AgSat doesn’t compare to these types of services on a feature-by-feature basis, AgSat does provide entry level access to satellite, mapping and weather-related information, putting these tools in the hands of producers for a much smaller investment.

“There’s a digital revolution going on in agriculture right now, with many companies providing valuable products and services to producers,” says Lynn Jacobson, AFA President. “We don’t want farm size and finances to be barriers that keep some producers from participating. AgSat will be of value and within financial reach of any producer, that’s why AFA and Aquanty are working on this new tool together.”

Agriculture policy resolutions and debates

Grace MacGregor shares the AFA Board Update just before AGM resolutions get underway.

The AGM is also a time for AFA members to propose, debate and vote on resolutions that deal with issues that affect Alberta farm producers. During the AGM, members discussed, voted on and passed the following resolutions:

Carbon Offset: BE IT RESOLVED that AFA approach the Minister of Environment and Parks to request that the 40% compliance cap be removed for Alberta agriculture such that producers can continue to participate in the Protocol and have their carbon sinks recognized nationally and internationally even up to 100% compliance.

Carbon Footprint of Beef Production: BE IT RESOLVED that AFA caution the uncritical acceptance of claims made about the carbon footprint of beef production and urge the scientific evaluation of beef production systems including the use of land not so suitable for grain production.

Crop Insurance: BE IT RESOLVED that AFA approach AFSC to request that the lack of moisture program be extended to cover forages and combine-able crops.

Tree Planting Incentives: BE IT RESOLVED that AFA, through CFA, approach the federal departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Agri-Food in support of tree planting and to suggest that financial incentives be offered to agricultural producers to plant shelterbelts and other trees and for the maintenance of existing natural treed areas.

Grain Drying: BE IT RESOLVED that AFA, through CFA, petition the Government of Canada to exempt propane and natural gas used in grain drying from the carbon tax.

Canadian Grain Commission: BE IT RESOLVED that through CFA, AFA campaigns to ensure that the updated Canada Grain Act clearly states the CGC mandate is to work in the interest of grain producers.

Food Awareness: BE IT RESOLVED that AFA, through CFA, seeks avenues to raise awareness within government and the general population of the relationship between agricultural production and food, and that the Canada Food Policy needs to address food security, sustainability and sovereignty in terms of agricultural production, as well as food safety.

Family Farms: BE IT RESOLVED that AFA, through CFA seek avenues to raise awareness within government and the general population of the role of the family farm in providing benefits to the Canadian public as a whole.

Carbon Tax: BE IT RESOLVED that CFA encourage the federal government to recognize agriculture’s ability to sequester carbon by the following methods:

1. Establish a national program such that carbon emitters and sequesters, including agricultural producers, can trade carbon credits, and
2. Allow agricultural producers to offset any carbon tax they may have to pay by carbon credits earned.

Farm Employee Insurance: BE IT RESOLVED that AFA campaign the provincial government to reconsider allowing farm operations not to carry insurance on non-family employees and instead make insurance mandatory for all workers.

Payment Protection Fund: BE IT RESOLVED that AFA urge the CGC to establish a pool payment protection fund similar to that currently in place with the Alberta Farm Implement Board, such that all licensed grain traders pay an annual proportionate levy into the pool to ensure that producers are adequately protected against payment default of grain traders.

Seed Value Creation Model: BE IT RESOLVED That Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada immediately withdraw further consideration of the two proposed seed royalty models as presented and, in consultation with agricultural producers, only proceed with changes to plant breeder’s rights and crop development funding models that result in a system that: 

• Maintains and enhances public research, development and finishing of new varieties;
• Preserves or enhances current public funding for agricultural research;
• Is transparent with producer involvement;
• Maintains the privilege and unencumbered use of farm saved seed;
• Is administered in a fair and equitable manner;
• Ensures Canadian producers can maximize their returns in a world marketplace.

Roll Over of Farm Assets: BE IT RESOLVED that CFA advocate for reforms to the tax system that would allow roll over of farm assets to extended family entrants or non-family entrants.

AFA delegates also re-confirmed the AFA Board of Directors and Executive for 2020 with Lynn Jacobson, Keith Degenhardt and Grace MacGregor all staying on as President, 1st and 2nd Vice President respectively. AFA’s leadership team will continue to engage in vital policy advocacy alongside Canada’s provincial and national farm organizations.

To Jacobson, the conference speakers and resolutions discussed at the AGM reflect top concerns of producers right now. He believes that sustainability should not be viewed too narrowly.

“Our conference theme this year was sustainability and it’s important to remember that financial sustainability is part of the mix as we look at ways to enhance farming practices, land and environmental management and production sustainability in the future,” Jacobson said.

AFA 2020 Board of Directors
(Back) L-R Bruce Burnstad, Graham Gilchrist, Humphrey Banack, Kerry Degenhardt
(Front) Grace MacGregor, Lynn Jacobson, Keith Degenhardt

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Your chance to spend some time on the farm this summer

Open Farm Days visitors learn about, and see, the grains grown on the Banack farm.

Consumers continue to be tremendously interested in how their food is grown. Getting farm producers and consumers together is one of the goals of Alberta’s Open Farm Days. This annual event provides an important connection for rural producers and their urban neighbours.

Open Farm Days also continues to be a popular event for farm producers, with a 28% increase in host farm participation when compared to last year. For 2016, a total of 90 host farms will provide real-world farm experiences for visitors on Sunday, August 21.

Once again, our Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) Vice President, Humphrey Banack and his family will be participating as a host farm. Humphrey and wife Terry Banack will welcome visitors to their Camrose-area homestead and will provide information and demonstrations for those who attend.

“Open Farm Days is a very important event in Alberta,” says Humphrey Banack. “People come with questions and a real open interest in agriculture. Traceability and social license are hot topics for today’s consumer, and Open Farm Days allows us to have that important conversation with members of the public.”

Humphrey and Terry say that Open Farm Days lets them provide visitors with a ‘mini-adventure’ with a hands-on look at how food is produced nearby in Alberta communities. This year, the Banacks hope to take visitors out harvesting and send them home with a bag of peas straight from the field that they can use in recipes at home. Check out this video for more information.

Host farms that offer Open Farm Days “Farm Experiences” showcase a wide range of farm businesses including honey and berry farms, petting zoos, flower farms, plus more traditional agricultural enterprises like livestock, crop and vegetable farms.

Open Farm Days also includes farm-to-table “Culinary Experiences” taking place on August 20 and 21. These events feature local chefs and producers that team up to provide unique field dinners, brewery tasting tours, cowboy gatherings and barbecues. Most of these events require ticket purchases in advance. Information can be found at http://www.albertafarmdays.com/.

“We understand how important it is to connect with the consumers of our product,” Banack says. “Open Farm Days gives us the opportunity to allow visitors to see exactly what we do, where we fit into their food system and how we are part of what they put on their tables everyday.”

This AFA video taken during Alberta’s 2015 Open Farm Days event on the Banack Homestead shows what visitors can expect from a farm visit.

We encourage you to make this fun event part of your summer plans!

Liability insurance can offer protection for farm markets and fairs

Liability insurance is, of course, important for every day situations that can occur on the farm—things like accidental property damage, unintended crop chemical drift and situations that arise from normal farming operations.

If an accident of this type occurs, much of the hard work of the farm business could be lost if you are not adequately insured. And it’s equally important that you are covered for risks that may occur when you are conducting business off the farm. 

For example, if you transport your animals to 4-H shows or agricultural fairs, liability insurance can protect against injury to your animals. Do you plan to sell your product at a local farmers’ market? Many farmers’ markets may not cover individual vendors under the market’s group policy, and will require vendors to provide proof of liability insurance in order to participate in the market.

The Co-operators, an Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) Corporate Partner, offers liability insurance options that can protect you and your farm business when you are conducting business away from your farm. Their off-farm liability insurance options include:

• Animal shows and agricultural fairs liability: covering livestock when attending 4-H shows, plowing matches, or agricultural fairs
• Farmers’ market liability: liability insurance protects your business against lawsuits in the crowded environment of a farmers’ market, where accidents can—and sadly do—happen

Beyond liability insurance, AFA producer members also receive exclusive benefits from The Co-operators that can help you save money, including:

• up to 24 additional coverage options on your farm insurance
• special travel and policy discounts
• enhanced home insurance coverage
• competitive plans for medical, dental, life and disability insurance

In addition to being connected to The Co-operators through our corporate partnership, AFA is proud of our long history as a member-owner of the company. Founded by a small group of prairie farmers in 1945, The Co-operators today continues to sponsor rural youth through 4-H and provide specialized farm insurance to producers across Canada. For more information on the liability insurance options offered by The Co-operators to farm producers in Alberta, contact your local Co-operators agent, or visit The Co-operators website.

To find out more about how you can become an AFA member today and save money through the special member benefits we have developed with The Co-operators, Mark’s Work Wearhouse and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA Canada), visit our website.

AFA Summer Meeting keeps finger on pulse of agriculture issues

The Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) Board met in mid-June for their annual Summer Meeting, and were pleased to host a number of guests from key industries that are connected to agriculture.

Three groups presented on a wide range of issues that have the potential to significantly impact Alberta’s agriculture industry. AFA provided input and ideas.

Alberta Utilities Consumer Advocate

Established in October 2003, the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) has a mandate to educate, advocate, and mediate for Alberta’s residential, farm, and small business electricity and natural gas consumers.

Since agriculture businesses can be greatly impacted by utility rates – especially large users like producers with hog barns, food processors or greenhouses – a UCA representative shared an overview and answered questions about Alberta’s Electricity Regulatory System.

New Agricultural Policy Framework

Alberta producers may be familiar with the Growing Forward 2 (GF2) programs that are part of a federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) partnership. These programs seek to help the agriculture and food industry reach its full potential by focusing on productivity, profitability and competitiveness in a global market.

The current program expires March 31, 2018, and federal and provincial policymakers are now gathering producer input on the future of the next agricultural policy framework (APF). Read more about this on our recent blog (link May AFA blog).

Representatives from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry met with the AFA Board at our Summer Meeting to discuss the impacts of potential refinements and opportunities for Alberta farmers in the new policy.

“AFA’s mandate of advocating on behalf of Alberta farmers and ranchers means AFA directors are integrally involved in policy development and feedback,” says Rick McConnell, AFA Interim Executive Director. “Helping to shape the next stage of the APF is just one example where AFA directors share their expertise to move agricultural policy development forward.”

Alberta’s Crop Insurance Programs

As changes and updates to crop insurance programs occur in Alberta, AFA is involved in consultations with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) to provide the perspective of Alberta’s crop and pasture producers.

During this session, AFA provided feedback on crop damage compensation for wildlife and vandalism, on-farm best management practices, refinements to coverage and premium assessment, advancing electronic interaction between AFSC and their clients as well as the potential to expand use of weather-based products.

AFA’s Board and Directors will continue to be proactive with these types of discussions and ensure that agriculture’s voice is heard loud and clear.

AFA’s Annual General Meeting explores the rapidly changing face of agriculture

Agriculture’s evolving landscape means that farm producers and ranchers need to be flexible and quick on their feet to manage change on the farm.

That’s why Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) chose the theme Shifting Gears for their recent Annual General Meeting. Over two days in Red Deer, January 21 and 22, 2016, attendees at the AFA AGM heard about dynamic farm technology, climate change, production updates and the impact of Alberta’s farm safety legislation.

“Agriculture producers are accustomed to change and are very adept at shifting gears,” says AFA President Lynn Jacobson, who farms near Enchant. “This meeting gave our members a chance to see what’s on the horizon and offered innovative ways to meet those challenges.”

A series of expert speakers explored the issue of shifting gears from many angles:Rick McConnell from DYMAC Risk Management Solutions discussed new ways of assessing pasture production

Scientist Dr. Andre Erler with Aquanty Inc. presented observations on climate research in Western Canada

Shaun Haney of RealAgriculture shared his insights into the digital age of farming by showcasing new farm technology like driverless tractors

David Myrol with McLennan Ross LLP, an expert in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) law, explored the legal questions and facts surrounding Alberta’s farm labour legislation

Garth Patterson with Western Grains Research Foundation spoke about agronomic capacity and funding for varietal research

Daryl Bennett with Action Surface Rights looked at surface rental and the issue of abandoned wells on farms resulting from the downturn in the oil and gas industry

Markus Weber with AgEagle featured drone technology and how it can be used for better profitability on the farm

A highlight of the meeting was a provincial update provided by Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Oneil Carlier. Members had a chance to ask questions following the presentation, and discussions centered around actions for moving forward with the provincial farm safety and labour legislation.

Minister Carlier told the AFA delegates that the government is now focused on getting input on the legislation, adding, “We will take the time necessary to get this right.” He also thanked those in the room for their passion for the agriculture industry and the significant contribution farm producers make to the provincial economy.

In addition to speaker presentations on a wide variety of topics, the AGM is a time for AFA members to propose, debate and vote on resolutions dealing with issues that affect Alberta farm producers. Resolutions direct key priorities for AFA for the year ahead.

For 2016, AFA will continue its work on rail transportation costs, the development of a farm safety plan, ways to minimize waste in municipal areas, surface rental reimbursement for producers, plans for the Indian Head Shelterbelt Centre, commitment to varietal research and compensation to producers for carbon sequestering and trespasser damage.

Humphrey Banack, AFA’s 2nd Vice President who farms near Camrose, notes that the past year in agriculture put a spotlight on why it’s important for producers to be involved in policy decisions.

“In 2015, farmers saw tremendous change in agriculture and in politics,” says Banack. “I think producers have seen why understanding policy can be just as critical as knowing about production. As Alberta’s general farm organization, one of AFA’s areas of expertise is agricultural policy. We can speak to these issues on behalf of all producers to make sure their voices are heard.”

AFA’s President Jacobson agrees. “AFA deals with concerns that impact all farmers and ranchers in the province, not just issues that are commodity-specific,” he says. “We will be addressing the key concerns raised during this meeting with all levels of government to ensure a stronger agriculture industry for all.”

During the AGM, member-delegates re-confirmed the AFA executive team for another year with Lynn Jacobson as President, Keith Degenhardt as 1st Vice President and Humphrey Banack as 2nd Vice President.

For more information on AFA, visit our website at: www.afaonline.ca.

 

AFA members take their business on the road

We love to give a shout out to our AFA members! Here’s a great story on what can happen when you are willing to look at things in a different light. Congratulations to the Morris family on the new addition to their business!

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Arnie and Shirley Morris have been successful quail egg producers for the last three decades. From their Ardrossan, Alberta farm, they supply western Canadian retailers with about 10,000 of these delicate eggs each day.

When the opportunity to sell quail meat arose, they knew ramping up their production would be no problem. Finding a processing facility for the tiny birds was another matter.

Quails raised by the Morris family

“Processing plants don’t really have the equipment to handle small birds,” says Shirley Morris. “We made so many calls, and just couldn’t find a plant to do it. We knew we weren’t the only producers looking for this, and that there was demand for it.”

Where others saw closed doors, the Morris family saw potential. They decided to buy a custom mobile processing plant and became quail processors themselves. Inside the 28-ft. trailer, they can process quails, game birds and chickens plus create packaged meat for consumers.

Inside the Morris family mobile processing plant trailer

“For other farmers that raise chickens or pheasants, we’ll bring the processor to them,” Shirley says.  “It can also be a way to bring this great-tasting, high-quality meat to chefs and restaurants.”

As Shirley explains, the mobile plant gives them a unique way to take advantage of new markets, like the farm-to-table movement. They can process up to 600 birds a day, plus vacuum-seal the meat and sell it either fresh or frozen.

Fresh Bry-Conn Quail (10 pack)

Growing this side of their farm business has not been all smooth sailing, but Shirley notes they have some terrific support both on and off the farm. Their children are now involved in the processing business.

The Morris family also works closely with provincial meat inspectors to ensure the product meets the highest quality standards plus regulations for food safety, packaging and labelling. Shirley also credits Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) and Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) staff as being instrumental in helping get this venture off the ground.

“This was a new area for us, so we had a lot of questions,” says Shirley. “AFA staff spent so much time helping us find the information we needed. We are so grateful for everyone’s help. It’s great to see what you can do with just 30 acres.”

The Morris family farm was also recently featured in The Western Producer. Click here to see the story and a video tour of the trailer!

A bountiful celebration of agriculture: the 2015 Harvest Gala

As Alberta farmers and consumers move into the fall season, they have the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the amazing bounty that the land provides. This is exactly the reason that Alberta’s Ag for Life hosts the province’s Harvest Gala celebration each year.

The Harvest Gala brings together the scrumptious tastes of locally-produced foods, the sights and sounds of Alberta artists, a silent auction and a chance to connect with friends in the community market. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Alberta’s agricultural roots through a fusion of urban and rural style and design.

• The Fourth Annual Harvest Gala
• Friday, October 23, 2015
• Calgary, Alberta
• 6 pm to 11 pm 

Ag for Life is a not-for-profit organization committed to building a greater understanding and appreciation of Alberta’s agricultural industry, and its fundamental connection to life. The Harvest Gala is one way Ag for Life reaches out to Albertans to tell the story of the incredible depth and prospects that agriculture affords in this province. Other Ag for Life success stories include: Classroom Agriculture Program, Little Green Thumbs, Alberta Open Farm Days, City Slickers, Rural and Farm Safety Days and the Rollover Simulator Project.

AFA is proud to have Ag for Life as one of our corporate partners. Our mission for advocacy for Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and producers aligns beautifully with the important message that Ag for Life brings to Albertans. An AFA Board Member attends the Harvest Gala every year.

“As we see an increase in interest from consumers about where their food comes from, events like these are important to connect rural and urban neighbours,” says Sheryl Rae, AFA Executive Director. “The Harvest Gala underlines the importance of sharing the impact that agriculture has on everybody’s lives. We are all stewards of the land.”

Tickets for the Harvest Gala event directly benefit Ag for Life. Tickets are $250 each, with corporate or group tables also available.

Tickets are still available from Ag for Life and can be purchased online: http://agricultureforlife.ca/event/2015-harvest-gala/

Giving thanks this weekend

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving. We honor all who work to make this weekend an abundant one, filled with good food, family and friends. Thanks to all those in Alberta’s agriculture industry that make this weekend special!

Agriculture Leaders Debate

National Agriculture Leaders debate is Sept. 30
Register for the webcast and be there on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

(Updated post-debate: see link below for the recording of the event.)

With the federal election fast approaching, party leaders have been criss-crossing the country making their pitches to voters. In a series of debates, leaders have presented their plans for the economy, foreign affairs and other issues.

Tomorrow, Wednesday September 30, agriculture gets its turn in the spotlight. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is hosting a special online webcast event, the National Agriculture Leaders debate. The debate, which takes place in Ottawa, will be broadcast online. Debate participants are:

• Hon. Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Malcolm Allen, NDP Agriculture Critic
• Mark Eyking, Liberal Agriculture Critic
• Andrew West, Green Party; and
• Yves Lessard, Bloc Québécois.

The debate takes place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Alberta time.

What’s on the agenda? The debate will allow each party to present its platform for the agriculture industry. CFA has also gathered video questions from farmers across the country. The parties’ agricultural representatives are there to answer those questions.

“This debate is an opportunity for parties to share their vision for how best to advance Canada’s agriculture industry,” says AFA President Lynn Jacobson, who’s also a member of CFA’s Board of Directors. “For this campaign, CFA is focusing on three issues of great importance to producers in Alberta and the rest of Canada: labour, business risk management and trade. I expect the debate will be a lively, informative discussion of these and other issues.”

Missed the webcast?

The National Agriculture Leaders debate can be viewed here.

Says Jacobson: “Many people have observed that agriculture has rarely been discussed in a significant way during this campaign. Here’s our chance. I invite AFA members, and all Alberta farmers, to attend the National Agriculture Leaders debate webcast.”

CleanFARMS Obsolete Pick Up

Ever wondered if there is an environmentally-responsible way to dispose of old or unwanted agricultural products in Alberta?

Now there is! The Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) is working with CropLife Canada/CleanFARMS to collect unwanted, obsolete and expired agricultural pesticides and livestock/equine medications from Alberta’s agri-business and equine industries.

This program is offered for free to the province’s farmers, ranchers and producers. Products accepted at the collection sites include:

• Obsolete or unwanted agricultural pesticides (identified with a Pest Control Product number on the label).
• Livestock medications that are used by primary producers in the rearing of animals in an agricultural context (identified with a DIN number, Serial Number or Pest Control Product number on the label). Needles not accepted.

For 2015, the collection will take place from Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30 at 20 different sites across southern Alberta. Once obsolete materials are dropped off at a designated collection site, the products are then transported to a high-temperature incineration facility where they are safely disposed of.

This poster from CleanFARMS shows the collection sites, but you can also view this information online.

For producers outside southern Alberta, the collection program will be offered in the northern half of Alberta at approximately 20 ag-retail locations in the fall of 2016. The obsolete collection program is typically delivered in each region of the country every three years.

CleanFARMS is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that is committed to environmental responsibility through the proper management of agricultural waste. We all want safe, healthy and sustainable environments. The CleanFARMS programs help environmentally-conscious farmers, ranchers and producers manage the waste generated by their rural-based businesses.

The last time the obsolete collection program was delivered in Alberta in 2012 and 2013 a total of 96,381 kgs of obsolete pesticide were collected. Since the program was first launched in 1998, CropLife Canada/CleanFARMS have collected over 300,000 kgs of obsolete pesticide. 2015 marks the first time that livestock/equine medications will be collected as part of the CleanFARMS program in Alberta.

For more information on the program or the collection campaign, visit the CleanFARMS website at http://www.cleanfarms.ca.