Background
The forage industry is significant in Alberta. There are an estimated 30,000 forage producers in Alberta and many more individuals and organizations affiliated with the forage industry. At present, there is no provincial organization to represent their interests.
In the 1990s, there was an Alberta Forage Council that represented the interests of the forage industry. In 2002, the Council merged with applied research associations to become the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA).
Though ARECA serves some of the needs of the forage industry, its mandate is broader. As well, since many issues and opportunities are impacting forages at present, some forage producers saw a need to have a dedicated forage organization within which to respond, and asked ARECA for its help in getting it started.
ARECA agreed to champion the formation of a provincial forage network in its early years. ARECA asked industry for their support, and they responded with endorsements and funding in advance of applying for a grant from the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) program of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. ACAAF approved funding for Phase 1, directed toward sector development to be undertaken from November 2007 to March 2008.
Phase 1 activities were aimed at gauging the level of interest and potential involvement of the industry in forming a sustainable provincial forage network, and looking at what that organization would look like and how it would function.
A discussion guide and survey were drafted to provide background information and statistics on the forage industry, and the former Alberta Forage Council and its successor ARECA. This background set the stage for a discussion of issues, opportunities and stakeholders in the forage industry and for a discussion of the objectives, structure, activities and potential funding sources for a proposed provincial network.
Every effort was taken to identify the individuals and organizations involved in the forage industry, directly or peripherally, who might have an interest in exploring the potential for a forage network. In November, 2007, 111 stakeholders were invited to send a representative to a forum to be held in Red Deer, December 10, 2007. Each stakeholder was sent the discussion paper and questionnaire, and encouraged to talk to their board or management to prepare a coordinated response. They were also invited to send 1-2 representatives to the forum to represent the "grassroots" needs of their organization. Those who were unable to attend were encouraged to provide feedback and opinion in writing using the discussion guide, survey or other format for response.
