AFA supports producers by tackling cross-commodity issues

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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lberta Federation of Agriculture Executive Director Aaron Stein describes the Federation  as an organization that ‘gives farmers a strong, united voice in policy-making, ensures Alberta is represented nationally, and supports producers by tackling cross-commodity issues that individual farm groups can’t address alone.’

“We advocate for producers across all commodities on a local, provincial, federal and international level when needed,” said Stein. “Our work helps safeguard the profitability, sustainability, and long-term viability of agriculture in the province.”

The AFA, Stein says, is currently involved in lobbying Federally and advocating for the re-introduction of strychnine as a tool for producers in Alberta to address gopher issues. 

In addition to that, Stein says, the AFA is working on restarting the Alberta Young Farmers and Ranchers program for producers 18-40, they have board members involved in the WGRF, BioInnovate, the CFA as well as many other organizations to not only learn but further the agenda for producers in Alberta, and the Federation is actively involved in lobbying the Federal Minister of Agriculture to amend the requirements for the Canadian Grain Commission to allow for Assistant Commissioners to work remotely as well as lobbying for the open position to be filled by a producer from Alberta or Saskatchewan.

On top of all that, Stein says that the Federation is currently assembling their next 3-5 year strategic plan that will set their path forward.

“We work locally, provincially and federally to develop programs as well as lobby at those same levels to help create a better Alberta for all Agricultural Producers,” said Stein. “Working closely with commodity groups, government and all those who surround agriculture is one of our main focus’.”

The AFA, Stein says, started in 1959 as a co-operative federation, grew into a general farm organization that represents all producers, and now serves as Alberta’s leading broad-based farm advocacy body. 

“It has evolved from a small grassroots movement into a provincial and national policy influencer, adapting to changing agricultural, economic, and political landscapes while staying rooted in its mission to give farmers a strong, united voice,” said Stein. “We represent all of the over 35,000 Agricultural producers of Alberta. Alberta’s producers are some of the most dynamic, resilient, resourceful, creative and innovative producers globally. For those who have been around long enough – we see cycles of good and bad come and go. Alberta’s producers are resolute and lasting.”

Along with challenges, Stein says, Alberta’s agricultural sector has faced dramatic shifts in recent years, driven by both natural challenges and technological innovation. 

“Producers have had to adapt quickly to one of the most volatile periods in decades, with climate extremes reshaping production conditions while new tools and practices transform how farms operate,” said Stein. “At the same time, Alberta producers are turning to technology and innovation to remain resilient. Investment in irrigation upgrades and water-efficient pivot systems is helping stretch limited supplies. Adoption of precision agriculture tools—from GPS-guided tractors to variable-rate input application—has surged, allowing farmers to cut costs while maximizing yields. Breeding programs have delivered drought-tolerant and early-maturing varieties of wheat, barley, and canola, now central to crop rotations. On-farm renewable energy, particularly solar installations and emerging agrivoltaic systems, are providing new revenue streams. Meanwhile, digital farm management tools are giving producers real-time data on yields, soil, and weather, strengthening risk management in an unpredictable climate.  Together, these forces are redefining the future of farming in Alberta.”

The redefining, Stein says, involves changes in 2026.

“AgriStability is being strengthened with new tools, including an updated inventory valuation method and coverage for feed costs on rented pasture, while the compensation rate has already been boosted to 90 per cent with higher payout caps,” said Stein. “At the same time, governments are easing interprovincial trade by piloting programs that allow low-risk manufactured foods to move between provinces without federal licences and by increasing regional slaughter capacity. Protection for supply-managed sectors has also been reinforced through Bill C-202, which prevents future trade deals from eroding quotas or tariffs for dairy, poultry, and eggs. Alongside these policy shifts, broader trends are shaping the landscape. Regulatory modernization under the Agricultural Products Marketing Act is expected to simplify commodity marketing rules across provinces, while farmers continue to face challenges from persistent drought conditions. On the innovation side, Prairie provinces are focusing on value-added ag and ag-tech, and agri-voltaics—using farmland for both crops and solar power—are emerging as a way to diversify farm incomes and contribute significantly to Canada’s clean energy future. Altogether, 2026 is a year of both greater stability and new opportunities for Canadian producers, with policies, markets, and technologies converging to support a more resilient and competitive sector. Lastly, the US will be having Midterm Election in 2026. This may have a significant impact as it pertains to how bills are being passed through the House and the Senate in the USA.”