Farmers cheered on as they work Alberta’s fields

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Alberta farmers and ranchers are bringing their fields to life this May with the backing of a government that understands the value of agriculture, a UCP member told the legislature this week.

Glenn van Dijken praised the province’s farming public as national leaders in agrifood exports.

“While agriculture is a year-round effort, spring marks a time of renewal, when the fields come alive and the hard work of feeding our province and the world begins anew,” said van Dijken, the member for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock north of Edmonton.

Alberta’s diverse agri-products are recognized internationally for quality, contributing more than $18 billion a year to the Alberta economy through exports.

“Our government understands that supporting agriculture isn’t just about crops and livestock,” van Dijken continued. “It’s about helping families, communities and food security while building long-term sustainability, market growth and resilience across Alberta’s agriculture sector.”

The MLA talked up budget initiatives to support meat and food processors with enhanced business development tools, invest in crop research and diversification, modernize irrigation infrastructure and expand veterinary diagnostics.

He pointed to risk management through the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, like drought protection and crop insurance, and improvements through a federal-provincial partnership called AgriStability.

The provincial government has also launched a campaign for shopping locally to promote Alberta-made food and support communities.

“Alberta’s farmers are resilient, innovative and deeply committed to their work. We are proud to stand with them every step of the way,” said van Dijken. “May your fields be fertile and abundant with harvests and your family safe and well this farming season.”