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News Business/Policy Canada
Alberta forms agricultural advisory committee


May 8, 2020  by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

In the midst of a global health pandemic, international market and trade challenges, the Alberta government has established an industry advisory committee to act as Champions of Agriculture.

This group will meet regularly and provide Alberta Agriculture and Forestry with strategic advice and recommendations on emerging issues and priorities related to consumer confidence, and work to debunk myths in the agriculture industry.

“Alberta has a hard-earned reputation around the world for healthy, safe and reliable agriculture products,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. “These Champions of Agriculture will help break down myths and misunderstandings of our sustainable agriculture practices and highlight how Alberta leads on a global stage to feed people around the world.”

Agriculture is a huge economic driver, employing more than 75,000 Albertans and generating more than $11.6 billion in annual export sales. It is the second largest natural resource sector in the province.

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Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee membership:

  • Jill Harvie – committee co-chair and owner/operator of Harvie Ranching;
  • Nichole Neubauer – committee co-chair and owner/operator of Neubauer Farms;
  • Allison Ammeter – chair, Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta, and farmer;
  • David Collwell – president and CEO, JBS Foods Canada;
  • Jeff Fitzpatrick-Stilwell – sustainability and agriculture lead, McDonald’s Canada;
  • Bob Lowe – president, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association;
  • Jean-Marc Ruest – senior vice-president, Corporate Affairs and General Counsel, Richardson International Limited;
  • John Simpson – chair, CANA group of companies and owner/operator of Simpson Ranching;
  • Baljit Singh – dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary;
  • Gary Stanford – grain farmer and past-chair, Alberta Wheat Commission.

“Alberta has a competitive agriculture sector that plays a key role in supporting rural communities and the economic success of the province,” Harvie said. “Being a champion for this sector means sharing the stories of what we do and do well. Alberta is a world leader in sustainable agriculture management practices and we can be proud of that.”

Championing the agriculture sector focuses on ensuring continued growth and long-term success for the sector by advocating for Alberta’s world-class sustainable agriculture management practices. News and success stories will be shared on the Champions of Agriculture and Forests website.

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