Looking ahead: The future commission's board of directors

Harley Groeneveld, Marketing Communications Specialist | Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions

With the amalgamation process nearly in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to turn our attention to the future, specifically the interim and permanent boards of directors, as we inch closer to officially becoming one commission. Historically, the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) consisted of five regions across Alberta, with a maximum of two directors per region; whereas Alberta Barley consisted of six regions across Alberta with a maximum of one director per region.

This will no longer be the case post-amalgamation, as it was decided upon at the first joint board meeting of the two commissions on January 23, 2023, in Edmonton, Alberta, that the interim board for the new commission will consist of 12 directors from across Alberta, six from each commission.

Amalgamation Timeline

Late summer 2023 

Interim board takes office

September 2023

Nomination forms available

October 31, 2023

Deadline to submit application

November 2023

Fall elections at regional meetings

January 2024

AGM / Permanent board takes office

Why and how to get involved?

The opportunity to join the inaugural permanent board of directors through the upcoming fall elections should not be understated, as it will allow the chance for farmers from across the province to put their names forward and make their voices heard as to what is needed to drive both the commission and agriculture in Alberta forward. By entering your name for nomination, you can help shape every aspect and decision the commission makes in areas such as agronomy, research, policy, market development, communications and governance. Each new voice and perspective that Alberta Grains gains will directly help advance the wheat and barley industries and shape the present and future advances of agriculture on provincial and national levels.

To be eligible for nomination, farmers must grow wheat or barley in their respective region and have paid check-off to either the AWC or Alberta Barley in either the current or previous two fiscal years. Nomination forms will be made available at a later date in September 2023, must be signed by at least three eligible producers from within the nominee’s region, and accompanied by the written consent of the eligible producer who is being nominated as a director in that region. Nomination forms must be returned in writing to the commissions' office by October 31, 2023, by fax (403-717-1966), email at info@albertawheat.com or mail (200 – 6815, 8 St NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 7H7).

We are very eager to work with our interim board of directors as we come closer to becoming one commission later this summer, while also looking ahead to the incredibly exciting possibilities and outlook that will come from the permanent board elections this fall at our regional meetings.