The severe lack of moisture across Alberta, coupled with the extreme heat we have been experiencing the last two weeks has had devastating consequences for our province's producers and growers. With these conditions expected to continue, many are predicting that we could be facing a drought year like 2002 when the province of Alberta announced an agriculture state of disaster.
"We are hearing reports from our delegate network of major heat stress causing significant yield reduction and the resulting costs to our ranchers and feedlot owners," says Scott Bolton, UFA President & CEO. "The federal government has announced the joint AgriRecovery program, which is a great first step, but the implementation timing is now critical."
As a strong advocate and unified voice for the farmers and ranchers that make up our 120,000+ membership body, UFA is urging Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen to again declare a state of disaster in Alberta in areas impacted the most by these extreme weather conditions. A letter of request was sent to the Office of the Minister Friday, also asking Minister Dreeshen to reconsider the latest proposal to increase the AgriStability compensation rate to 80 per cent from the current 70.
UFA is committed to acting in the best interests of our valued members and carrying their voice on issues such as this that negatively affect business. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to your local UFA Delegate.
