Overview
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry partners with local Agricultural Service Board (ASB) to address agricultural concerns in their communities to ensure we collectively maintain and improve agricultural production.
ASB members are appointed by the local municipal council, comprising of any combination of public or private individuals who develop policies for their local agricultural sector.
The following ASB Orientation Manual (PDF, 423 KB) provides a description of how these boards are formed, governed, and funded. More detailed information about legislation, guidelines and programs are listed in the Appendix. (PDF, 423 KB)
Ag service board grant
The Agricultural Service Board grant is specific to rural municipalities that have an established Agricultural Service Board and fulfil all requirements under the Agricultural Service Board Act.
The following links provide:
- Grant Application Form (PDF, 472 KB)
- Terms and Conditions (PDF, 338 KB)
- ASB Grant Cycle (PDF, 124 KB)
Functions
The Agricultural Service Board Act sets out the framework for the establishment of an Agricultural Service Board (ASB) by an incorporated municipal district or specialized municipality.
Agricultural Fieldmen develop, implement, and control programs designed to carry-out priorities and policies set by their local ASB such as:
- weed and pest control
- soil and water conservation
- assisting in the control of animal diseases
- encouraging sustainable agriculture to improve the economic viability of producers
- promoting agricultural policies that meet the needs of a municipality
The Minister may enter into an agreement with an ASB in order to provide funding for these activities. Additionally, advisory committees may be established for these purposes and Agricultural Fieldmen may be provincially-appointed in order to help carry-out operational functions locally.
Unique partnership
Agricultural Fieldmen are unique to Alberta. Members of the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen are also appointed as inspectors or regulatory officers to administer the 4 Acts for which Alberta municipalities and counties have legal obligations. The 4 Acts are:
Agricultural Fieldmen also assist in the provincial enforcement of the Animal Health Act.
Contact local Agricultural Fieldmen.
Advisory committees
Province-wide
The Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee (PDF, 146 KB) is an advisory panel, as outlined in its Terms of Reference, (PDF, 410 KB) to local ASBs as well as Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
To achieve a collective, provincial voice for facilitating and representing both the diversity and commonalities of ASBs, there are specified Resolution Rules of Procedures. (PDF, 724 KB)
Resolutions and responses
Find the 2018 ASB Resolutions (PDF, 198 KB).
Committee responses to the 2017 Provincial ASB Resolutions (PDF, 620 KB) have been compiled.
For previous years:
Regional meetings
The ASB regional conferences have resolution sessions guided by these Resolution Rules of Procedure. (PDF, 505 KB) The Resolution Writing (PDF, 3.1 MB) resource provides assistance in crafting clear and concise resolutions.
Plan ahead with the Hosting Schedule for ASB Regional Conferences. (PDF, 85 KB)
Weed and pest control
If you have questions or concerns regarding the Alberta Weed Control Act or for assistance with weed identification – Weed Identification Guide (PDF, 18.5 MB) contact:
- Alberta Ag-Info Centre Phone: 310-FARM or 310-3276
- Your local county or municipal Agricultural Fieldman or Weed Inspector
- Alberta Invasive Species Council
- Alberta Native Plant Council
Weed Identification Guide (PDF, 18.5 MB)
Weed Control Notices and Identification
Clubroot Guidelines for ASBs (PDF, 268 KB)
Suspect Sample Submission form (PDF, 64 KB)
Municipal bylaws
For more information about grasshoppers, clubroot, fusarium and other pests and diseases, please visit the Agricultural Service Board Bylaws and Policies for Municipalities.
Contact
Contact Agricultural Fieldmen
To connect with staff of the Agricultural Service Board Program:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-4213
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-422-7755
Email: pam.retzloff@gov.ab.ca
Mail address:
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
Agricultural Service Board Program
J.G. O’Donoghue Building, Room 201
7000 113 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6