Producers and organizations with a stake in forage production now have a provincial organization to support and advocate their interests.
The Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN) is now a full-fledged society registered in Alberta. Lyndon Mansell and Carla Amonson, two members of AFIN, announced the new organization’s launch at the Western Canadian Grazing Conference.
“Forages are a key component of Alberta’s crop and livestock industry,” said Amonson, a grazier, and director and manager of the West Central Forage Association.
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There are about 30 million acres and 30,000 producers engaged in forage production in the province, she said.
The group aims to serve the needs of Alberta’s forage producers and industry stakeholders, said Mansell, a forage producer from Innisfree and a member of the AFIN board of directors.
The organization plans to provide a forum for exchange of ideas among producers and other stakeholders, champion industry research, and foster communication between the forage industry, government and the public. It also aims to represent the forage industry nationally.
AFIN was originally an initiative of the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta. Three meetings were held over the course of 2010 to allow key stakeholders to offer input into the formation of the group.
The current chairman is Doug Wray, a grazier and beef producer from Irricana. An interim board has been appointed with current directors distributed throughout the province. The first annual general meeting will be held at the Lacombe Research Centre on March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Featured guests will speak and an official board will be elected at that time.
The group has already created its bylaws, policies and a policy/ bylaw/objective manual. Directors have been involved in the development of the national Canadian Forage and Grassland Association. A membership drive is underway and people involved in the industry are encouraged to become members and help shape the direction and development of the forage industry.
Individuals, farm corporations, agricultural businesses and other entities who wish to become members or who want to find more information about AFIN can go to www.albertaforages.ca. Membership fees range from $50 to $250 depending on the class of membership.
