Farmers’ Advocate Office

Mission

For nearly 50 years, the Farmers’ Advocate Office (FAO) has been a resource to Alberta farmers and ranchers. The FAO 's work extends well beyond its original mandate of representing and protecting land ownership rights. Today our staff continue to connect directly with rural Albertans to build trust and stronger links between stakeholders and decision-makers. We actively assist with dispute resolution and consumer protection. We also provide resources and information on a variety of rural concerns and interests, including timely publications and advisories on topics of concern.

Our mission is to build resilience in Alberta’s agricultural sector by:

• empowering rural Albertans through awareness of key issues
• providing objective, unbiased ideas and advice for resolving disputes
• representing a unified rural Alberta perspective on matters of concern
• facilitating interaction on strategic matters among key stakeholders

How it works

Find the information you need on the focus topics below or contact us directly with your questions or concerns. We can provide more information, directly intervene or advocate on your behalf. For all other inquiries, contact the Ag Info Centre.

Responsibilities

Advocacy – The FAO helps bridge the gap between rural Alberta and the provincial government, bringing the concerns and ideas of rural landowners to decision-makers. The FAO advocates for legislative and policy change on behalf of rural communities and groups to ensure it is useful, meaningful and relevant to Alberta’s farmers and ranchers and their related industries. Meet the advocate.

The nature of the advocacy work of the FAO includes:

• direct advocacy for farmers and ranchers on common or emerging issues
• providing active assistance with navigating government and board and agency processes
• work with provincial and municipal departments, boards and agencies to improve processes and systems in the interests of farmers and ranchers

For more information, see:

• About the Farmers’ Advocate Office
• FAO’s advocacy process (PDF, 54 KB)
• FAO annual reports

Stakeholder and Community Engagement – The FAO is committed to fostering a well-informed public with avenues to decision-making. This includes collaborating with partnerships, committees and Synergy and Surface Rights Groups, attending community outreach events and tradeshows, and engaging directly with stakeholders to provide resources that inform and empower. Contact us to find out how our office can assist with everything from informative presentations to formal stakeholder engagement strategies.

Rural crime prevention – A founding member of the Alberta Provincial Crime Watch Association (APCWA), the FAO continues to participate in the organization’s efforts to prevent rural crime and support the building of relationships through community involvement. Each year, the FAO acknowledges one Rural Crime Watch Association with a recognition award for their outstanding efforts to reduce crime in their community.

Disclaimer

The Farmers’ Advocate Office and Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation make no warranty, expressed or implied, and do not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information, documents, legislation, data or material available on these webpages. In case of discrepancy between website content and relevant Alberta legislation and regulations, the official version of the acts and regulations will prevail. Advice provided by the Farmers’ Advocate Office is provided for general information only. This information may not be relied upon as legal advice or as substitute for it. You are responsible for applying any general information provided to your particular situation, if appropriate, and deciding upon a course of action. For all important business and personal matters, you should consider obtaining independent legal and other professional advice to properly assess and understand your options and obligations.