September 19, 2023 (Calgary, Alberta) – Alberta Grains, the newly named, amalgamated Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, is eager to announce the call for farmer nominations to be a part of the first Alberta Grains board of directors. Farmers from across all six growing regions in the province can be nominated to run for one of twelve open director positions, comprised of two from each region.

Directors will be essential to leading Alberta Grains and advising on its priorities of research, agronomic extension, government relations and policy, national and international markets, and the FarmCash cash advance program, while supporting the commission’s governance, events and industry-focused publications.

Farmers of all operation sizes and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. “All it takes to be a director is a good head on your shoulders, and a willingness to speak up and strive for positive change, no matter how steep the roadblocks.” says Interim Chair, Tara Sawyer, who farms near Acme, Alberta.

While it is a new chapter for the commission, Alberta Grains is proud to stem from over 40 years of combined farmer-led advocacy efforts.

“It is a very exciting time to take on a leadership role within our industry”, says Jason Lenz, interim vice-chair, of Bentley, Alberta. “The commissions have made profound impacts for grain farmers throughout the years; however, key issues continue to emerge and require ongoing participation from local farmers. Get involved to help ensure growing wheat or barley remains profitable and sustainable for current and future generations.”

To be eligible to run for a director position, farmers must have grown or sold wheat or barley and paid a check-off to the Alberta Wheat Commission or Alberta Barley in either the current or previous two fiscal years and produce at least one of the crops within the region of which they are running. Nominators must reside or farm in the same region as the individual being nominated.

Nomination forms are available on albertagrains.com and must be received by the Alberta Grains office via email, mail or fax by the end of day on October 31, 2023. More information on the election process is available on the elections page on the Alberta Grains website.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Harley Groeneveld
Marketing Communications Specialist
403-291-7906
hgroeneveld@albertawheatbarley.com