Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission Overview
Overview
The Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission is represented by a board of dedicated winter wheat producers from around the province who believe in a strong winter wheat industry, not only for the benefits of time management and rotation on the farm, but also for long term sustainability of our most precious resource, the land. The AWWPC is determined to improve the marketability of winter wheat and the price paid to its producers through experienced and professional lobby efforts on your behalf. Recent success in working with the Canadian Wheat Board to offer a premium for milling grade winter wheat is only one example. The Commission is working in many other areas to coordinate and support a strong and viable industry.
Vision Statement
The AWWPC will lead the advancement of winter wheat to become a viable crop option for all Alberta producers.
Mission Statement
The AWWPC is a provincial grower organization focused on a strong and sustainable winter wheat industry for the benefit of all Alberta producers.
Strategic Focus
- Grow and sustain annual winter wheat acreage in Alberta at 1 million acres by 2015
Strategic Priorities
- Support research aimed at varietal improvements and best management production practices
- Increase farm gate value capture through the development of innovative marketing programs and the identification of new market opportunties
- Provide relevant and timely information that will enable producers to make well informed decisions regarding the production and marketing of winter wheat
- Ensure the AWWPC has the structure, processes, professional development and organizational dynamics to lead the advancement of winter wheat in Alberta
AWWPC Tactical Goals for 2011-12
Marketing
- Continue to work with the CWB to bring about improvements in the marketing and maketability of milling quality winter wheat, both domestically and gobally
- Collaborate with CIGI to investigate and niche market development opportunities for winter wheat e.g. Asian steam bun market
- Identify and develop alternative end-uses for winter wheat
Research
- Continue to support plant breeding and agronomic research projects that are targeted at improving winter wheat production/productivity and producer profitability
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to define the primary plant breeding targets for winter wheat for the next 10 years
- Continue to provide advice to the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) on research priorities for winter wheat
Communications
- Collaborate with Ducks Unlimited Canada in the development and implementation of initiatives that promote winter wheat production in traditional and non-traditional regions of the province
- Identify and initate tactics that focus on improving the timeliness of AWWPC communications to our members and key stakeholders
- Collaborate with the University of Alberta in the development of a Production Tips Quick Reference Guide (QRG) for winter wheat
Environment
- Encourage producers to become aware of and engaged in the Land Use Framwork regional planning process
- Communicate to producers and other stakeholders the importance of implementing benefical management practices focused on environmental stewardship
- Collaborate with AARD on the development of a life cycle analysis/ag environmental footprint for winter wheat
Policy
- Continue to provide a strong voice at provincial policy stakeholder consultations that have the potential to impact the winter wheat industry in Albertas
Members
To be an eligible producer, or member, of the Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission, the Alberta Winter Wheat Plan Regulations require you to have paid a service charge (check-off dollars) to the Commission in one or more of the last two (2) crop years.
An estimated 1,200 Alberta farmers in seven provincial regions are currently members of the AWWPC.
Our members are represented by nine (9) elected directors.
Check-off Dollars
Under the Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Marketing Plan Regulations, Alberta winter wheat producers must pay $1.00 to the Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission for every tonne of winter wheat they sell. Typically, customers (dealers) purchasing Alberta-grown winter wheat from producers deduct check-off dollars from their payment to producers and remit the funds to the Commission.
This fee is the Commission′s sole source of ongoing revenue. Check-ff dollars are used by the Commission to support innovative research, develop valued-added marketing programs, provide producers with relevant and timely information and ensure our voice is heard at provinical policy consultations affecting our industry.
It is illegal in Alberta to withhold these funds. Producers, however, may request a refund of their check-off dollars.
