Grainswest - Winter 2023

Winter 2023 Grains West 42 “Going forward is making sure we’re as competitive as possible in comparison to our neighbouring jurisdictions.” — Nate Horner They’re allowing us the flexibility to walk into this in ways we can support producers while showing there are positive actions that can help them on their farm and help us achieve some of these broader environmental goals.” Horner is particularly proud of irrigation infrastructure spending and said, to date, the government has invested $1.4 billion in agriculture and created more than 2,000 jobs in value-added agrifood, noting they did so a year ahead of schedule. Still, there’s more work to be done. “Going forward is making sure we’re as competitive as possible in comparison to our neighbouring jurisdictions,” he said of western provinces and northwestern states. He concedes Sweet “is not entirely wrong” with the assertion approvals and communication between government and potential investors takes too long. “It’s something we’re attempting to address,” he said. Part of the reason for the lengthy timelines is Alberta’s multiple Crown corporations, whereas in Saskatchewan, for example, everything is housed within the ag ministry. He did say, though, it’s disingenuous the NDP would call foul on UCP ag policies. “All they did was add red tape to my business and I can’t recall a single large investment opportunity in agriculture during their time,” he said. “The NDP’s main ag policy from my recollection was Bill 6, which took us a while to rectify. It was something no one was asking for.” He said his ministry is focused where concern is strongest. “I hear that in value-added investment. I hear that in reducing red tape. And I hear that in robust business risk management programs and making sure we clearly outline our position to the feds when it comes to things like fertilizer emission consultation. It’s coming from where the people are.” Regarding climate, Horner believes Alberta can be part of the solution, but said the province’s ag sector is not treated fairly. “We contribute to the carbon cycle in a very positive way that is not recognized by the federal government. So, they’re finding neat ways to tax and drain and transfer wealth from agriculture and rural [areas] and rebate it to individuals across the country. We feel like that is completely unfair and is a policy that drives negative outcomes.” The province lost its Supreme Court challenge opposing the carbon tax, but Horner insists it must go. At $170 per tonne in 2030, it will “wreak havoc” on rural Alberta, hurt the electrical grid and the attraction of value-added investment, the centrepiece of the UCP’s ag ambitions, should they be re-elected. FARMER REPRESENTATION The Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions will work with whichever party forms government, said Shannon Sereda, government relations, policy and markets director. She said the UCP formed a positive and attentive relationship with the commissions. “We’ve been pleased with the level of consultation and happy with the UCP’s response when issues are raised.” Sereda believes the UCP understands and defends the interests of farmers and points to trespassing legislation and the agriculture war room—similar to the body created for energy—though it never really took off. As well, she said during the NDP’s one term in office, while they had a lot to learn, the commissions were heard by the Notley government. “We found common ground within their term,” said Sereda. “As the opposition, I think they’ve come a long way in building their capacity in understanding agricultural issues.” Both parties, Sereda noted, lack clear direction on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions and what plan, if any, will be formed to help farmers address these primarily federal policies. “We haven’t heard much from either party around their response to help mitigate the impacts of this climate change and emission reduction policy that will have an effect on farmers,” she said. “It’s hard to reconcile how this is such a major federal government policy coming down the pipeline and how there’s very little response from the provincial government.” In addition, Sereda noted concern about the upcoming Sustainable CAP pilot project. The primary concern being higher payments if one’s practices do not align with federal guidelines. “Farmers are concerned the viability of the sector is threatened by these policies and that sometimes we move too far away from a focus on production. Some of these policies are absent of really thinking about the economic impact and the production side of the operations.” The NDP’s value-added platform is a good thing, so long as it doesn’t lose sight of the entire supply chain, which begins with farmers, said Sereda. “If you don’t have that primary production, you can’t have the value-added processing.” The commissions simply look to advocate for farmers, regardless of which party occupies the Legislature. “We want to work with the government of the day,” she said. FEATURE