(AlbertaIndex, September22, Monday) --- Alberta’s Agriculture and Rural Development has unveiled a new strategic focus and program aimed at revitalizing and serving the agriculture industry.

       The department has reorganized to improve services and expertise that support agriculture and food businesses and producers across the province.

It has established 13 hub offices in Fairview, Grande Prairie, Barrhead, Stony Plain, Leduc, Camrose, Vermilion, Stettler, Red Deer, Olds, Airdrie, Brooks and Lethbridge, to deliver enhanced services with a focus on the business of agriculture.

Work with the Agriculture Service Boards and respective municipalities will be enhanced through key contact staff members.  The Irrigation and Farm Water Division will double the current number of farm water specialists.

The department has appointed 30 additional age verification staff to assist producers in verifying the age of their 2008 calf crop.  Farm safety programs will be enhanced and department specialists will continue to be available to speak and deliver information to community groups.

“When I announced the Alberta Livestock and Meat Strategy earlier this summer, I also asked for an internal department review to help the livestock industry with its transformation and revitalization,” said George Groeneveld, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. “This reorganization is necessary to support a successful transition of the livestock industry.”

“We are improving our support to all stakeholders, not only those in the livestock industry. Alberta’s agriculture industry needs to be able to access the depth of specialist knowledge, research and business development expertise that resides within the department.  Providing supports to our agriculture partners across all components of the agriculture and food industry allows us to sustain the natural resource base of the industry and encourage the development of rural communities.”

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