AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Sustainability for Rural Alberta

A healthy Alberta economy for the long term needs to fire on all pistons. Alberta’s most sustainable sector is agriculture, if we tend to it carefully.

Alberta Liberal Action Plan for Agriculture and Rural Development

• Restore regional agriculture offices to create a “one-stop shop” for rural Albertans for information and consultative services on all provincial matters.
• Properly fund the Farmer’s Advocate office, and hire experts in oil and gas development to advise rural Albertans on their rights.
• Review the Surface Rights Act and Expropriation Act to strike a fair balance between landowner and industry interests in locating oil and gas wells and pipelines on privately owned land.
• Adequately fund the Surface Rights Board and the Land Expropriation Board.
• Work closely with farmers and industry to strengthen farm worker safety standards.
• Provide Workers’ Compensation Board programs for farm and ranch workers.
• Encourage vegetable and fruit production for local markets.
• Establish a provincial organic certification agency, and encourage and support the growing and marketing of organic products.
• Continue to support a strong and viable Canadian Wheat Board and ensure that farmers’ voices are heard in any changes being considered.

Click here to download the Alberta Liberal Action Plan for Agriculture and Rural Development in .pdf format.