GrainsWest Winter 2020

Winter 2020 Grains West 14 THE FARMGATE ALBERTA CROP AND LIVESTOCK commodity organizations are hoping the provincial government sticks to its plan to tighten agricultural spending while leav- ing key programs and services in place, if not enhanced. Following the tabling of the United Conservative Party’s 2019 provincial budget this past October, Alberta crop and livestock organizations are cautiously optimistic. It’s hoped the planned 9.1 per cent reduction in the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) budget will be made through creative operational efficiencies rather than by cutting ministry staff. The budget reflects the fact provincial revenues are down, and follows through on the government’s plan to deliver “responsible fiscal management.” It will translate to an 18 per cent reduction in provincial spending over the next four years. Specific to AF, the budget calls for a cut of about $34 million by 2023. Farmers and commodity organizations wonder where the spending cuts will be made. Commodity organizations have taken a united position in agreeing cuts may be necessary, but the industry wants a role in setting priorities and program funding de- cisions, especially involving research and development. There is common agreement among sectors that some reincarnation of the recently dismantled Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund (ACIDF) and Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) will be needed to facilitate the set up of research priorities. The groups are encouraged by the government’s stated objective to “consult with farmers and ranchers to develop a research and extension plan that ensures producers’ needs and views guide key agriculture research priorities.” “Nobody likes to see budget cuts,” said Ryan Kasko, chair of the Alberta Cattle Thebright sideof thebudget cut Alberta farmers see role in setting ag research priorities Feeders Association. “But, we knew, or expected, there would be cutbacks. Something had to be done. The province couldn’t keep living beyond its means.” Rich Smith, Alberta Beef Producers executive director, said while there ap- pears to be good-news–bad-news elements in the budget, he’s hoping even in lean economic times, essential programs and services will be maintained. “Farmers, being fiscal conservatives, knew there would be some belt tighten- ing,” said Alberta Wheat Commission and Alberta Barley general manager Tom Steve. While it appears essential business risk management programs aren’t affected by the budget trim, Steve said farmers and organizations hope they will have a say in what programs will be cut. A broad cross-section of crop and live- stock commodity organizations provided input in recent weeks to the preparation of a whitepaper presented to AF Minister Devin Dreeshen early this past December. Lauren Comin, research director with the Alberta Wheat and Barley commis- sions, led the creation of the document. It outlines the industry’s clear desire to play a role in guiding future spending while creating efficiencies. It also urges the government to allow farmers and the agriculture industry to play a greater role in setting research priorities. “The previous government had moved away from productivity research and focused more on policy-type research such as sustainability, climate change and public trust issues,” said Steve. “It’s not that those issues aren’t important, While the 2019 budget trimmed agricultural spending by 9.1 per cent, farmgroups hope this comes with a greater say in reseacrh priorities. Photo:Courtesyof theGovernmentofAlberta