Debating agriculture strategies and farmer rights

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Wheatland County’s agricultural service board recently met to discuss the setting of strategic goals for the county.
“We would like to know what content is desired, and depending on the results you are looking for, how we will get there,” said Angie Lucas, Wheatland County’s general manager of agriculture, community and protective services, as she addressed Wheatland County council on April 11.
This led to a discussion on landowner/farmer’s rights.
“How can I gauge what a landowner wants to do with their land?” asked Wheatland County Councillor Tom Ikert. “I don’t want to make a decision on a guess.”
Reeve Glenn Koester agreed.
“Being a councillor and a farmer, I really wrestle with this. Having the county telling me what to do with my farming is difficult,” said Koester.
He said the desires of farmers vary a great deal from developers and small landowners. Koester warned policies and plans have the potential to impact farming decisions and land values.
Councillor Amber Link said ratepayers have told her they don’t like government interfering with their property rights.
Property rights was the contentious issue faced earlier in the decade by the Conservative government, when they set Bill 19, 36 and 50, allowing oil development on farms without owner consultation.
Agricultural service board (ASB) member Rex Harwood countered that the county has already set policies on agriculture in the county.
“We discussed pushing development toward our hamlets because they are starving,” he noted. “We are trying to do the best for the common good, but once you develop land you never get it back. If the county doesn’t keep a watch on what’s happening, we will lose farmland fast.”
The board members requested more information to set strategies, along with more feedback and representation from producers. It was suggested that a direct ask to knowledgeable candidates may be a better recruiting mechanism than waiting for applicants to apply to the board. There was the suggestion the ASB host special speakers that could help inform the board prior to decision making.
“Our intent is to have different people come in to address issues,” said Russ Muenchrath, Wheatland County’s manager of agricultural services.
Board members also requested resident surveys and public engagement workshops.
Wheatland staff did provide five examples of strategies used by other counties in Alberta. Two plans wanted to look at industry trends, opportunities and stakeholder opinions, with a review of existing agricultural operating strategies and policies over a year-long process.
One looked at historical perspectives and factors that contribute to farming success. Two outlined a vision statement and definition of agriculture, using them to develop strategies and policy.
Strategies developed by the ASB would also be reflected in the municipal development plan.
“An agricultural strategy as defined in the five examples reviewed, indicated the commitment of the municipal government to advancing and securing the future of agricultural industry within their municipality. It is intended to provide recommendations for activities and initiatives that support the industry, and highlight the importance of the industry to the municipality,” said Alyssa Rob, Wheatland County’s environmental coordinator.
The board concluded the discussion by asking for help from an independent consultant and to set up workshop meetings, where they could review information and develop strategies that could be put forward for acceptance.