Policy and Environment

Economics and Competitiveness

The Economics and Competitiveness Division is a source of economic, competitiveness, market and statistical research dealing with strategic issues affecting Alberta's agriculture and agri-food industry. This research includes applied economic and competitiveness analysis, benchmarking, statistical information, consumer behavior and emerging industry trends. The Division adds value to information relating to the value chain from production to consumption.

Policy, Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs

The Policy, Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs Division provides Departmental leadership in developing, policy and advocacy. The Division facilitates and coordinates Agriculture and Rural Development's foresight strategy and strategic planning process, policy development and coordination through a policy framework, and advocacy through domestic and international trade missions and negotiations. In addition, the Division manages specific cross organizational/ministry policy files, such as the Land Use Framework, implements the Growing Forward bilateral agreement and ensures that program design and delivery conform to policy direction.

Irrigation and Farm Water

The Irrigation and Farm Water Division facilitates the development of a competitive, environmentally-sustainable agriculture industry by ensuring that good quality surface and ground water supplies meet current and future agriculture needs, management practices meet acceptable water quality guidelines and management systems assist livestock and crop producers deal with excess rainfall and drought conditions.

In addition the Irrigation Secretariat is established under the Irrigation Districts Act . It consists of employees of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) and operates within the Policy and Environment Sector of the department, reporting to the Director of the Irrigation and Farm Water Division.

Environmental Stewardship

The Environmental Stewardship Division fosters a competitive capacity through environmental stewardship. The Division delivers, in partnership with industry, the business models, systems, science, information and measures that enable industry to take actions leading to environmental opportunities that are outcome-focused, reportable and verifiable.

Rural Development

The Rural Development Division supports the implementation of Alberta's Rural Development Strategy by advancing rural policy, leading cross-government collaboration on rural issues and working closely with Rural Alberta's Development Fund to assist community-focused projects. In addition, the Division provides leadership to strategic rural initiatives and conducts research in partnership with rural organizations and stakeholders.