Below is a list of updates from provincial producer organizations in regards to COVID-19 information. This page will be updated when new information is available.
Alberta Seed Processors
Alberta Seed Processors (ASP) have crafted protocols for their 67 members to adapt to their particular situations, Monica Klaas, ASP general manager, says in an email. “These protocols include directives for staff, as well as customers. We also have plans to reach out to policy makers to ensure that seed cleaning/retailing services are an essential service.”
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
The Alberta government is taking COVID-19 extremely serious and has put in place restrictions to slow the virus and protect public health, Justin Laurence, acting press secretary for Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF), says in an email. The ministry’s staff are following the recommendations provided by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and have postponed public events and announcements until further notice.
AAF are regularly communicating with their industry partners by phone and email, and staff continue to respond to questions and concerns from producers, Laurence says. Supply chains are still stable and the border closure does not affect the import or export of goods, or those who transport them. AAF are also monitoring essential supply chain logistics and will take steps as necessary to ensure it continuously operates to keep Albertans safe and secure.
“Additionally, we’ve asked the federal government to increase the flexibility for farmers and producers participating in Business Risk Management Programs, and we would like to see less restrictive access to capital for processors,” Laurence says.
AFSC has also recently implemented new measures to assist in loan re-payment in addition to the existing programs.
Alberta Canola Producers Commission
The Alberta Canola Producers Commission (ACPC), closed their office as of March 18 with staff still available to answer questions during their normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time, a news release on the organization’s website.
Staff was given the option to work from home and were instructed to follow all of the recommendations as outlined by Alberta’s Chief Medical officer, the release says. However, a limited number of staff will be in the office space as required, where the recommended social distancing and sanitization procedures are being strictly adhered to.
Alberta Canola and its staff and directors are not hosting or participating in any face-to-face meetings or in-person events until further, the release says. They will continue to conduct business over teleconferencing and online meetings until further notice.
Alberta Pulse Growers
The Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) have been working with the provincial government, and through their national organizations, the federal government to keep updated on the COVID-19 situation, the organization says in an emailed statement.
APG has been working to make sure its staff and their families are safe and healthy, the statement says. The organization has cancelled all business travel and have moved all meetings to video conference calls until further notice.
The group is following guidelines set out by Alberta Health Services and the federal government. Their office has been closed to the public, with most staff working from home or working in the office for limited amounts of time using social distancing, proper cleanliness and hand sanitizing safety measures.
Staff and directors who have recently traveled out of the country or have been in contact with anyone who has travelled out of the country are in self-isolation, the statement says.
Farmers can get ahold of APG thought direct emails to staff or the general email at [email protected].
