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Minister Devin Dreeshen
Devin Dreeshen was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Forestry on April 30, 2019.
Our responsibilities
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for:
- policies, legislation, regulations and services necessary for Alberta’s agriculture, food and forest sectors to grow, prosper and diversify
- inspiring public confidence in wildfire and forest management and the quality and safety of food
- supporting environmentally sustainable resource management practices
- leading collaboration that enables safe and resilient rural communities
Ministry information
Publications
Resources
- Ag-Info Centre
- Agri-News
- Calendar of Events
- Legislation
- List of public agencies
- Media inquiries
- Personal information bank directories
- Ministry staff directory
Social media
In focus
Increasing access to locally-produced meat gives Albertans more choice, creating more business opportunities and maintaining animal health and welfare.
Tree cutting permits for personal use
Cut your own Christmas tree, firewood and more for free with a Personal Use Forest Products Permit.
Livestock mortality management
Livestock mortality management includes the rules, regulations and best practices around livestock carcass disposal.
Agri-News
Get updates on agricultural business, livestock, crops, rural living, learning, jobs in agriculture and events.
New business resumption protocol
Business Resumption in Alberta (PDF, 476 KB) outlines roles and responsibilities in cases of a confirmed COVID-19 worker in a provincial or federal-licensed food facility.
Latest news
- Nov 26, 2020
Alberta’s government has removed the $5 fee for harvesting up to three Christmas trees from Crown land for personal use.
- Nov 25, 2020
The U.S. Department of Commerce has lowered tariffs for forest companies that participated in the first administrative review of softwood lumber litigation.
- Nov 04, 2020
Following the significant wildfire season of 2019, Alberta’s government contracted an independent spring 2019 wildfire review of firefighting operations and public communications.
- Nov 04, 2020
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, and Dr. Keith Lehman, chief provincial veterinarian, issued the following statement on Influenza A (H1N2)v in Alberta:
- Oct 30, 2020
The governments of Canada and Alberta are expanding and extending the Alberta Beekeeper Stock Replacement Program, providing even more support to the province’s beekeepers.
- Oct 22, 2020
The new Growing Alberta’s Forest Sector Amendment Act, 2020 would modernize the existing Forests Act – which hasn’t been updated since 1971 – to meet the current realities of Alberta’s forest sector.
- Oct 19, 2020
Agriculture and Forestry has reached an agreement to transfer key research programs to the University of Alberta, strengthening its agriculture research capacity.
- Oct 16, 2020
Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) and Agriculture and Forestry have reached a funding agreement for agriculture research.
- Oct 16, 2020
Agriculture and Forestry’s field crop development centre will now be housed at Olds College, leveraging research capacity and creating new teaching opportunities.
- Oct 15, 2020
Agriculture and Forestry is increasing research capacity by transferring three priority agriculture research programs to the University of Lethbridge, growing its research depth and range.
- Oct 15, 2020
Alberta’s government is increasing research capacity by supporting the transition of the Alberta Irrigation Technology Centre (AITC) and the Brooks Greenhouse to Lethbridge College.
- Oct 14, 2020
The governments of Canada and Alberta are investing in critical animal health diagnostics at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
- Oct 09, 2020
Alberta’s government, together with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and eight irrigation districts, is modernizing irrigation infrastructure to create jobs, expand agriculture production and diversify value-added food processing.
- Oct 08, 2020
Alberta has spent over $560 million to fight against the mountain pine beetle that threatens roughly $11 billion worth of Alberta pine trees. Alberta currently spends $30 million annually to suppress the spread of the mountain pine beetle.
- Oct 08, 2020
Alberta’s government is implementing the Forest Jobs Action Plan, helping to create opportunities for more investment and jobs in our forest industry.
- Oct 05, 2020
Oct. 4-10 is Animal Health Week, and Alberta’s government is taking the opportunity to thank rural veterinarians, who help keep Alberta’s farm animals healthy and happy by working with our ranchers and livestock producers.
- Oct 05, 2020
A spike in forest product demand underscores the importance of Alberta’s forest industry as an economic powerhouse in Alberta’s Recovery Plan.
- Sep 30, 2020
Alberta’s government is working to increase investment in the province and to better sell Alberta agriculture products around the world.
- Sep 29, 2020
Alberta’s government is working to build value-added agriculture capacity and bolster economic activity with an aggressive private investment attraction target of $1.4 billion.
- Sep 28, 2020
Record crops and strengthened cattle prices are leading Alberta’s economic recovery after a difficult start to 2020 due to COVID-19 and low energy prices.
- Sep 21, 2020
National Forest Week runs until Sept. 26 and 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the annual campaign, which this year explores the topic of forest health.
- Sep 14, 2020
Investigators are seeking the public’s help with a recent human-caused wildfire.
- Aug 24, 2020
A World Trade Organization (WTO) panel responsible for reviewing the softwood lumber dispute has released its final report with findings highly favourable to Canada.
- Aug 13, 2020
The Irrigation Rehabilitation Program (IRP) is providing $10 million in funding to the province’s irrigation districts for infrastructure improvements.
- Aug 05, 2020
Alberta’s government has granted more than $262,000 to the United Irrigation District as part of the province’s $10-million Irrigation Rehabilitation Program (IRP).
- Aug 05, 2020
Alberta’s government has granted almost $1.1 million to the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District as part of the province’s $10-million Irrigation Rehabilitation Program.
- Aug 04, 2020
Work will commence shortly on $3.8 million in updates to maintain the Hinton Training Centre.
- Aug 04, 2020
More than $2.6 million in grant funding will support St. Mary River Irrigation District in managing and delivering water for irrigation in southern Alberta.
- Jul 31, 2020
The governments of Canada and Alberta, through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, are helping the Eastern Irrigation District with up to $100,000 in funding to complete a dam safety review.
- Jul 29, 2020
Amendments to the Meat Inspection Regulation will cut red tape and provide Albertans with greater access to locally produced meat while maintaining food safety.
- Jul 10, 2020
Northern Lights Gas Co-op Ltd. has received a grant to construct a natural gas supply line to support Mackenzie County.
- Jun 30, 2020
The government is investing $27.8 million in an agri-food hub at Exhibition Park in Lethbridge to create jobs and spur investment in the agriculture and agri-food industry.
- Jun 05, 2020
In response to the recent challenges faced by Alberta’s beekeepers, Agriculture and Forestry is introducing a new Canadian Agricultural Partnership program.
- Jun 03, 2020
The Government of Alberta is helping farmers by modernizing rules, reducing red tape and creating new research opportunities.
- May 29, 2020
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen has appointed new members to the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council (Marketing Council) who bring a wealth of experience advocating for agriculture.
- May 26, 2020
In response to recent precipitation in many areas of the province and the great work of Alberta Wildfire, the government is removing the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area. A fire advisory is now in effect.
- May 22, 2020
The Government of Alberta and Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) are working hard to help producers this spring, and 92 per cent of pre-seeding claims are complete.
- May 21, 2020
Farmers can connect directly with food service and retail operations to get more farm-fresh food on Albertans’ tables through an enhanced online tool.
- May 08, 2020
In response to COVID-19, the Government of Alberta has created a new Agriculture Training Support Program to help employers in the food supply chain provide necessary training to new Alberta employees.
- May 08, 2020
Kee Tas Kee Now Sawmill Ltd. has been awarded additional timber.
- May 07, 2020
In response to the mass disruptions in the agriculture industry caused by COVID-19, the Government of Alberta is introducing several new supports to help farmers and ranchers through AgriRecovery.
- May 07, 2020
Yellowhead County is receiving $300,000 through the government’s Mountain Pine Beetle Municipal Grant Program.
- May 06, 2020
The health and safety of workers at Alberta’s food processing plants continues to be monitored to ensure the safe operation of Alberta’s food supply chain.
- May 05, 2020
The government has launched its strategy to stand up for Alberta’s second largest natural resource sector.
- May 04, 2020
An increased annual allowable cut and new options for wood fibre access are providing security for forest companies.
- May 03, 2020
Every year, the first week in May marks Alberta Forest Week.
- Apr 30, 2020
The Alberta government and Alberta Health Services (AHS) have provided the guidance to support Cargill to take aggressive measures to protect the health and safety of workers at the Cargill Canada beef-processing plant and keep Canada’s food supply chain strong.
- Apr 16, 2020
The Alberta and federal governments, with the input and assistance of industry and worker representatives, have developed a plan to respond to confirmed cases of COVID-19 in food processing plants.
- Apr 14, 2020
A new Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) board will provide essential oversight to ensure the agency’s programs and services are delivered effectively and meet the needs of rural Alberta.
- Apr 14, 2020
Alberta Wildfire is hiring 200 additional firefighters, invoking a fire ban, implementing off-highway vehicle (OHV) restrictions, increasing fine violations and funding $20 million more in community FireSmart initiatives, all to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season during COVID-19.
- Apr 09, 2020
The Alberta government has launched an online resource to help strengthen the food supply chain and fill agriculture and agri-food jobs.
- Apr 04, 2020
In response to COVID-19 and the economic effects to our forestry industry, the Alberta government will defer timber dues for six months. This will help forest companies continue operating and retain staff during this pandemic.
- Apr 01, 2020
Provincial and federal meat inspectors will share resources to ensure a consistent supply of safe food products for Albertans and Canadians.
- Mar 30, 2020
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen has announced the creation of Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), a non-profit, arm’s-length agriculture research organization.
- Mar 26, 2020
Government and industry are working together to ensure Albertans continue to have access to safe, affordable food as the COVID-19 response continues.
- Mar 01, 2020
March 1 marks the start of wildfire season in Alberta.
- Feb 20, 2020
The governments of Canada and Alberta are helping Jacek Chocolate Couture expand production and reduce environmental impact through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
- Feb 10, 2020
A new grant program is now available to help grain farmers upgrade their grain handling systems.
- Feb 08, 2020
The U.S. Department of Commerce has signalled a significant reduction to tariff rates for forestry companies that were included in the first administrative review.
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