Non-urgent government operations are closed December 24 to January 1, reopening January 2. See the list of services available during this time.
Introduction
The Farmers’ Advocate Office (FAO) assists with appeals under Part 1 of the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), the formal hearing process for reviewing Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) decisions under the Crop Insurance and AgriStability programs. The FAO also assists with reviews under Part 0.1 of AOPA as it relates to farm worker insurance and safety. Administration of other peer oriented appeal processes for the Bee Act and the Weed Control Act are also under the purview of the FAO.
Agricultural Operation Practices Act
This FAO publication on AOPA provides an overview of the legislation as it relates to the parts listed below and other information on the dispute resolution process.
AOPA (Part 1 – Nuisance)
The FAO coordinates appointed Practice Review Panels for the review of complaints related to agricultural odour, dust, noise and smoke that fall under Part 1 of AOPA. For more information, refer to:
- AOPA Complaint Process: Where Neighbours Fit In for details on filing complaints with the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB)
- NRCB Compliance and Enforcement Complaints
For information on confined feeding operations (CFOs) and manure management requirements, please refer to:
AOPA (Part 0.1 – Farm Insurance)
The FAO has been delegated to handle farm safety insurance appeals through the Practice Review Committee: Practices and Procedures process. Effective January 31, 2020, under Part 0.1 of AOPA, flexible insurance coverage options are available to large and small employers on farms and ranches.
Large employers (farm and ranch operations with 6 or more waged, non-family workers employed for more than 6 consecutive months):
- Must choose Workers Compensation Board (WCB) coverage or private insurance.
- If you have any questions about workers’ compensation coverage, or to help you make an informed decision about the workplace insurance you choose, please call the WCB at 1-866-922-9221 or submit an online enquiry.
- Private insurance providers must be licensed under the Insurance Act and provide coverage for accidental death and dismemberment, and disability (including bodily injury and sickness).
- Employee funded disability or accidental death and dismemberment plans must also meet workplace insurance requirements.
Small employers (farm and ranch operations with 5 or less waged, non-family farm workers, not including those employed for less than 6 consecutive months):
- Are exempt from requiring workplace insurance.
- May voluntarily purchase WCB and/or private insurance for their workers.
- Individual employees may seek private insurance; however, individual workers are not eligible to purchase WCB, which must be purchased by an employer.
For information on licensed private insurance providers, see Insurance companies in Alberta.
Workers concerned that their employer is not fulfilling requirements under the legislation should contact the FAO.
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)
Upon request, the FAO will conduct appeals for AFSC on disputed Crop Insurance claims and AgriStability decisions. For more information on these and other programs, refer to the AFSC website.
Bees and apiculture
The FAO has been delegated to handle appeals under under the Bee Act and associated regulations. For more information on the beekeeping industry, its regulation and other services, refer to Honey bee health and apiculture.
Weed control
An appeal procedure manual has been developed by staff at the FAO to formalize review processes for weed control and debt recovery notices under the revised Weed Control Act.
Contact
Connect with the FAO:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 310-FARM (3276) (in Alberta)
Phone: 403-742-7901 (outside Alberta)
Email: [email protected] or Ask us a question online
View all FAO contact information
Mailing address:
J.G. O'Donoghue Building
7000 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6