Amalgamation moves a step closer
The Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions had a busy summer and fall of 2021 consulting with Alberta farmers on the future of the organizations. After nearly two years of exploring the concept of amalgamating Alberta Barley and the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC), the commissions engaged with the farmer memberships and consulted on the topic. Those consultations culminated in a resolution passed overwhelmingly at the Alberta Barley’s annual general meeting (AGM) on December 8, 2021, during the Prairie Cereals Summit in Banff calling for a plebiscite on a potential merger of the two commissions.
Farmer consultations rolled out in July of 2021 with an online survey that was open for 11 weeks, closing on September 15, 2021. Although a busy time for farmers, the commissions were pleased to receive 168 responses to the survey. In October, the commissions held two online town hall sessions as another forum for farmers to provide input, followed by further dialogue during Regional Meetings in November.
As part of the consultations, the farmer engagement plan also consisted of unveiling the amalgamation sub-committee’s proposed model for an amalgamated organization.
“The sub-committee thoroughly discussed the many elements of an amalgamated organization including priorities, check-offs and the governance structure,” says Tara Sawyer, Alberta Barley chair. “We were pleased with the number of farmers that provided input through the online survey. The feedback from the survey also gave us a strong indication of the prominent questions on farmers’ minds regarding amalgamation: one of them being the merit-based funding model.”
The commissions recommend that the combined organization shifts to a merit- based funding model to leverage heightened opportunities for the two crops. Currently the two commissions are revenue based on the two check-offs’ revenue streams. Merit-based funding would allow the board to use their discretion on opportunities that will drive value back to both wheat and barley farmers, giving barley access to more capital and expand opportunities in barley innovation and research, along with market development.
The following represents the proposed model for Alberta farmers’ consideration:
Farmer Governance
One farmer-led board of 12 representing wheat and barley farmers from six regions in Alberta (two directors from each region). Plus, four delegate positions from each region for a delegate body of 24 farmers.
Priorities and Check-Off
Research would remain the top priority for the proposed amalgamated organization and funding would be merit-based. AWC and Alberta Barley check- off would also remain the same at $1.09 per metric tonne for wheat and $1.20 per metric tonne for barley. However, this is subject to review by the first board of the combined organization.
“Farmers expressed that they had questions around the merit-based funding model,” says Todd Hames, AWC chair. “This is a new way to look at how the commissions prioritize innovative projects and initiatives as it would allow the new organization to make discretionary judgments and capitalize on opportunities that could benefit both barley and wheat farmers. At the end of the day, us farmers grow a rotation of crops, so long-term success and progress for both crops is key.”
During Regional Meetings in November, the commissions presented the survey results, frequently asked questions, feedback from the online town hall sessions and outlined the next steps forward if farmers opt for amalgamation. Four out of the five Regional Meetings had resolutions pass from the membership to conduct a farmer plebiscite on amalgamating the two commissions. Those resolutions were subsequently considered and passed at the Alberta Barley AGM December 8, 2021, in Banff.
“Throughout the consultations we have witnessed farmers’ overwhelming support for this change,” says Sawyer. “There are more cost-savings and efficiencies to be realized as one amalgamated organization. We are grateful for farmers’ engagement and input during the consultations in 2021.”
In order for Alberta Barley to request a farmer plebiscite to the Alberta Agricultural Marketing Products Council, AWC must also pass the same resolution at their AGM in January of 2022. At the time of writing (December 2021) results from the AWC AGM were not available.
The commissions encourage farmers to remain engaged with the amalgamation process throughout 2022 in the instance a farmer plebiscite is held. Learn more about the consultations at wheatbarleyconsultation.com, or subscribe to stay up to date at albertawheatbarley.com.