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 provides a description of how these boards are formed, governed, and funded.

Agricultural service board grant

The ASB grant program is specific to rural municipalities that have an established Agricultural Service Board and fulfil all requirements under the Agricultural Service Board Act.

The following documents are for the 2020-24 ASB Grant Program:

Functions

The Agricultural Service Board Act sets out the framework for the establishment of an 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

Provincewide

The ASB Provincial Committee is an advisory panel, as outlined in its Terms of Reference, 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 provincial Resolution Rules of Procedures.

Resolutions and responses

Resolutions that receive approval at a Provincial ASB Conference are considered ‘active’ for a period of 5 years. The Provincial ASB Committee advocates for these resolutions for this time period. Once a resolution expires, it may be brought back to the voting delegates for approval again at the next Provincial ASB Conference.

See resolutions for which the Provincial Committee is currently advocating.

Regional meetings

The ASB regional conferences have resolution sessions guided by these regional Resolution Rules of Procedure. This Resolution Writing resource provides assistance in crafting clear and concise resolutions.

Plan ahead with the Hosting Schedule for ASB Regional Conferences.

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:

Weed Identification Guide (PDF, 18.5 MB)

Weed Control Notices and Identification

Clubroot Guidelines for ASBs (PDF, 842 KB)

Clubroot Suspect Sample Submission form (PDF, 97 KB)

See also: Agricultural Service Board Act Forms Regulation

Municipal bylaws

For more information on policies and bylaws about grasshoppers, clubroot, fusarium and other pests and diseases, please visit the ASB Municipal Policies and Bylaws.

Contact

Connect with staff of the ASB 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: See contact information for all unit staff

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

All ASB contact information

Contact Agricultural Fieldmen