Supports the growth, diversification and sustainability of Alberta's agriculture and forest industries.
Agriculture Job Connector
Alberta Climate Information Service (ACIS)
News for producers
Minister Devin Dreeshen
Devin Dreeshen was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Forestry on April 30, 2019.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for:
policies, legislation, regulations and services necessary for Alberta's agriculture, food and forest sectors to grow, prosper and diversify
inspiring public confidence in wildfire and forest management and the quality and safety of food
supporting environmentally sustainable resource management practices
leading collaboration that enables safe and resilient rural communities
Ag-Info Centre
Meat Inspection Regulation Amendments
Increasing access to locally-produced meat gives Albertans more choice, creating more business opportunities and maintaining animal health and welfare.
Tree cutting permits for personal use
Cut your own Christmas tree, firewood and more for free with a Personal Use Forest Products Permit.
Livestock mortality management
Livestock mortality management includes the rules, regulations and best practices around livestock carcass disposal.
Get updates on agricultural business, livestock, crops, rural living, learning, jobs in agriculture and events.
New business resumption protocol
Business Resumption in Alberta (PDF, 476 KB) outlines roles and responsibilities in cases of a confirmed COVID-19 worker in a provincial or federal-licensed food facility.
Unwrapping red tape on Christmas
Alberta's government has removed the $5 fee for harvesting up to three Christmas trees from Crown land for personal use.
Alberta foresters win with softwood lumber decision
The U.S. Department of Commerce has lowered tariffs for forest companies that participated in the first administrative review of softwood lumber litigation.
Government accepts wildfire recommendations
Following the significant wildfire season of 2019, Alberta's government contracted an independent spring 2019 wildfire review of firefighting operations and public communications.
Influenza A (H1N2)v: Chief medical officer of health and chief provincial veterinarian
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, and Dr. Keith Lehman, chief provincial veterinarian, issued the following statement on Influenza A (H1N2)v in Alberta:
Improving competitiveness for Alberta beekeepers
The governments of Canada and Alberta are expanding and extending the Alberta Beekeeper Stock Replacement Program, providing even more support to the province's beekeepers.
Improving Alberta's forest sector
The new Growing Alberta's Forest Sector Amendment Act, 2020 would modernize the existing Forests Act – which hasn't been updated since 1971 – to meet the current realities of Alberta's forest sector.
Expanding agriculture research at the U of A
Agriculture and Forestry has reached an agreement to transfer key research programs to the University of Alberta, strengthening its agriculture research capacity.
Launch of farmer-led research in Alberta
Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) and Agriculture and Forestry have reached a funding agreement for agriculture research.
Alberta's barley program moving to Olds College
Agriculture and Forestry's field crop development centre will now be housed at Olds College, leveraging research capacity and creating new teaching opportunities.
Expanding research at the University of Lethbridge
Agriculture and Forestry is increasing research capacity by transferring three priority agriculture research programs to the University of Lethbridge, growing its research depth and range.
Investing in research at Lethbridge College
Alberta's government is increasing research capacity by supporting the transition of the Alberta Irrigation Technology Centre (AITC) and the Brooks Greenhouse to Lethbridge College.
Animal health research boost for University of Calgary
The governments of Canada and Alberta are investing in critical animal health diagnostics at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Historic expansion for Alberta irrigation
Alberta's government, together with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and eight irrigation districts, is modernizing irrigation infrastructure to create jobs, expand agriculture production and diversify value-added food processing.
Alberta secures funding for forestry
Alberta has spent over $560 million to fight against the mountain pine beetle that threatens roughly $11 billion worth of Alberta pine trees. Alberta currently spends $30 million annually to suppress the spread of the mountain pine beetle.
Growing Alberta's forest industry
Alberta's government is implementing the Forest Jobs Action Plan, helping to create opportunities for more investment and jobs in our forest industry.
Celebrating Alberta's rural veterinarians
Oct. 4-10 is Animal Health Week, and Alberta's government is taking the opportunity to thank rural veterinarians, who help keep Alberta's farm animals healthy and happy by working with our ranchers and livestock producers.
Record-breaking lumber prices boost forest sector
A spike in forest product demand underscores the importance of Alberta's forest industry as an economic powerhouse in Alberta's Recovery Plan.
Increasing food exports supports Alberta's recovery
Alberta's government is working to increase investment in the province and to better sell Alberta agriculture products around the world.
Agriculture supports economic innovation and jobs
Alberta's government is working to build value-added agriculture capacity and bolster economic activity with an aggressive private investment attraction target of $1.4 billion.
Agriculture leads Alberta's economic recovery
Record crops and strengthened cattle prices are leading Alberta's economic recovery after a difficult start to 2020 due to COVID-19 and low energy prices.
Celebrating Alberta's forests and our foresters
National Forest Week runs until Sept. 26 and 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the annual campaign, which this year explores the topic of forest health.
Abandoned campfire causes recent Canmore wildfire
Investigators are seeking the public's help with a recent human-caused wildfire.
Alberta builds stronger softwood lumber case
A World Trade Organization (WTO) panel responsible for reviewing the softwood lumber dispute has released its final report with findings highly favourable to Canada.
Maintaining strong irrigation systems
The Irrigation Rehabilitation Program (IRP) is providing $10 million in funding to the province's irrigation districts for infrastructure improvements.
Keeping irrigation infrastructure strong
Alberta's government has granted more than $262,000 to the United Irrigation District as part of the province's $10-million Irrigation Rehabilitation Program (IRP).
Keeping water flowing in Alberta's irrigation districts
Alberta's government has granted almost $1.1 million to the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District as part of the province's $10-million Irrigation Rehabilitation Program.
Funding for renewal at the Hinton Training Centre
Work will commence shortly on $3.8 million in updates to maintain the Hinton Training Centre.
Improving irrigation in southern Alberta
More than $2.6 million in grant funding will support St. Mary River Irrigation District in managing and delivering water for irrigation in southern Alberta.
Improving irrigation in southeast Alberta
The governments of Canada and Alberta, through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, are helping the Eastern Irrigation District with up to $100,000 in funding to complete a dam safety review.
New opportunities for Alberta's livestock sector
Amendments to the Meat Inspection Regulation will cut red tape and provide Albertans with greater access to locally produced meat while maintaining food safety.
Investing in northern Alberta utilities
Northern Lights Gas Co-op Ltd. has received a grant to construct a natural gas supply line to support Mackenzie County.
Alberta's Recovery Plan: Investing in the agri-food sector
The government is investing $27.8 million in an agri-food hub at Exhibition Park in Lethbridge to create jobs and spur investment in the agriculture and agri-food industry.
Supporting Alberta's beekeepers during COVID-19
In response to the recent challenges faced by Alberta's beekeepers, Agriculture and Forestry is introducing a new Canadian Agricultural Partnership program.
Helping Alberta's farmers stay competitive
The Government of Alberta is helping farmers by modernizing rules, reducing red tape and creating new research opportunities.
Marketing Council members bring experience, expertise
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen has appointed new members to the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council (Marketing Council) who bring a wealth of experience advocating for agriculture.
Fire advisory in Forest Protection Area
In response to recent precipitation in many areas of the province and the great work of Alberta Wildfire, the government is removing the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area. A fire advisory is now in effect.
Unharvested acres inspections almost complete
The Government of Alberta and Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) are working hard to help producers this spring, and 92 per cent of pre-seeding claims are complete.
Sourcing more farm-fresh local food for Albertans
Farmers can connect directly with food service and retail operations to get more farm-fresh food on Albertans' tables through an enhanced online tool.
Employee training supports for agri-businesses
In response to COVID-19, the Government of Alberta has created a new Agriculture Training Support Program to help employers in the food supply chain provide necessary training to new Alberta employees.
First Nations business sees future in forestry
Kee Tas Kee Now Sawmill Ltd. has been awarded additional timber.
Supporting Alberta's agriculture industry
In response to the mass disruptions in the agriculture industry caused by COVID-19, the Government of Alberta is introducing several new supports to help farmers and ranchers through AgriRecovery.
Fighting mountain pine beetle in Yellowhead County
Yellowhead County is receiving $300,000 through the government's Mountain Pine Beetle Municipal Grant Program.
Continued monitoring of food processing plants
The health and safety of workers at Alberta's food processing plants continues to be monitored to ensure the safe operation of Alberta's food supply chain.
Championing Alberta's agriculture sector
The government has launched its strategy to stand up for Alberta's second largest natural resource sector.
Increased access to fibre helps protect jobs
An increased annual allowable cut and new options for wood fibre access are providing security for forest companies.
Showcasing Alberta's forests
Every year, the first week in May marks Alberta Forest Week.
Protecting safety at Cargill
The Alberta government and Alberta Health Services (AHS) have provided the guidance to support Cargill to take aggressive measures to protect the health and safety of workers at the Cargill Canada beef-processing plant and keep Canada's food supply chain strong.
Response plan protects workers, food supply
The Alberta and federal governments, with the input and assistance of industry and worker representatives, have developed a plan to respond to confirmed cases of COVID-19 in food processing plants.
AFSC board appointments will improve responsiveness
A new Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) board will provide essential oversight to ensure the agency's programs and services are delivered effectively and meet the needs of rural Alberta.
Reducing spring wildfires and protecting municipalities
Alberta Wildfire is hiring 200 additional firefighters, invoking a fire ban, implementing off-highway vehicle (OHV) restrictions, increasing fine violations and funding $20 million more in community FireSmart initiatives, all to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season during COVID-19.
Filling jobs and keeping the food supply safe
The Alberta government has launched an online resource to help strengthen the food supply chain and fill agriculture and agri-food jobs.
Relief for forest companies affected by COVID-19
In response to COVID-19 and the economic effects to our forestry industry, the Alberta government will defer timber dues for six months. This will help forest companies continue operating and retain staff during this pandemic.
Provincial meat inspectors to strengthen food supply
Provincial and federal meat inspectors will share resources to ensure a consistent supply of safe food products for Albertans and Canadians.
Transforming agriculture research in Alberta
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen has announced the creation of Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), a non-profit, arm's-length agriculture research organization.
Alberta's food supply system remains strong
Government and industry are working together to ensure Albertans continue to have access to safe, affordable food as the COVID-19 response continues.
Wildfire season begins March 1
March 1 marks the start of wildfire season in Alberta.
Sweet new investment in Sherwood Park
The governments of Canada and Alberta are helping Jacek Chocolate Couture expand production and reduce environmental impact through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
New grain dryer program for farmers hit with tough harvest
A new grant program is now available to help grain farmers upgrade their grain handling systems.
Latest numbers put softwood lumber on right track
The U.S. Department of Commerce has signalled a significant reduction to tariff rates for forestry companies that were included in the first administrative review.
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