The AgCoalition will host three meetings across Alberta this month to engage farmers, ranchers and their employees on farm and ranch safety-related subject matter.

The meetings are intended to gather input and strengthen the producer voice in preparation for the provincial government’s consultation sessions. The province has set up six groups to advise it on workplace safety regulations.

“This legislation will have its greatest effect on farmers, ranchers and their employees,” said Page Stuart, AgCoalition co-chair. “Our intent is to ensure that this community has an opportunity to be part of the process and support our industry’s representation at the consultation tables.”

Meetings will take place in Lethbridge on June 22, Leduc on June 27, and Grande Prairie on June 30.

Meeting participants will collaboratively determine priority issues for each topic and will develop consensus-based positions that will work best for farmers, ranchers and their employees. Input garnered from the meetings will in turn be communicated to producer nominees participating in the government consultation sessions. Where required, the meetings will follow the same format as the consultation sessions with one working table per topic.

The meetings are being hosted by the AgCoalition’s producer representation, known as the Industry Leadership Advisory Committee.

“We look forward to working together as a sector to develop key positions to ensure our consultation nominees are fully equipped to represent their industry,” said Kent Erickson, AgCoalition co-chair.

The AgCoalition, formed in January, is an unprecedented alliance of 30 provincial farm organizations. For more, visit agcoalition.ca.