LEGISLATED DUTIES OF AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARDS
The
Agricultural Service Board Act
describes the legislated authority and roles of ASB’s in
Alberta. The following duties and responsibilities of the
ASB Act
will apply:
·
To act as an advisory body, and to assist the council and the Minister of Agriculture
in matters of mutual concern.
·
To advise on and to help organize and direct weed and pest control and soil and
water conservation programs under Provincial legislation.
·
To assist in the control of livestock disease under the
Animal Health Act.
·
To promote, enhance and protect viable and sustainable agriculture with a view to
improving the economic viability of the agricultural producer.
·
To promote and develop agricultural policies to meet the needs of the municipality.
The
ASB Act
was not intended to be mandatory legislation, but rather enabling legislation.
However, a bylaw can be passed by the municipal council to have the
ASB Act
become
binding for their district. Although it was not mandatory for local government to establish
ASBs, more than 50% of the total 70 boards in place today were established by 1952.
While the
ASB Act
states the specific duties and responsibilities of the local ASB, the overall
purpose is to improve and maintain agricultural production, improve the economic welfare
of the farmer and act as an advisory body to municipal and provincial government.
Improving agricultural production requires the application of research findings such as
new crop varieties and tillage techniques at the producer level. Similarly, maintaining
agricultural production requires the application of proven preventative measures that will
reduce or eliminate soil erosion and the spread of new weeds, insects and diseases. With
each ASB carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the
ASB Act
,
came the
decentralization of Alberta Agriculture, particularly in the areas of weed control and soil
conservation.
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