The farm agency formerly known as the Alberta Grain Commission is now the Alberta Grains Council.
The group, set up by a provincial ministerial order in 1972 and composed of eight farmers appointed by the provincial ag minister, advises the minister and makes policy recommendations regarding “current and emerging issues and trends in the grain industry.”
“I believe the new name is more fitting to the work and structure of the organization,” Greg Porozni, chair of the council, said in a release Friday announcing the new name.
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“The new name also prevents confusion with us and other producer commissions or the Canadian Grain Commission, with whom we are not affiliated,” said Porozni, a farmer from Mundare, about 75 km east of Edmonton.
The council said its current focus includes issues such as “marketing choice” for wheat and barley growers, grain handling and transportation, risk management, environmental stewardship, grain industry competitiveness, trade and regulatory matters.
Its provincially-outlined mandate is to examine “all facets” of the grain industry from producer to end user; to make policy recommendations on “any matters pertaining to the grain industry;” to liaise with other governments, groups or boards within or outside Alberta; and to carry out such other related assignments “as may be specified by the minister.”
Current farmer members of the council include Edmund Lefsrud of Viking, Daniel Greene of Carmangay, Gerard Oosterhuis of Bow Island, Dennis Nanninga of Barrhead, Terry Young of Lacombe, D’Arcy Hilgartner of Camrose and Henry Dechant of Fairview. Two provincial employees also sit on the council, which is supported by a small staff.
