Non Partisan Association

The Alberta Non-Partisan Association (NPA) firmly believes that the current staffing levels within Alberta's 13 Ministry Field Offices are inadequate to meet the needs of a modern, multi-billion-dollar livestock and grain industry. With approximately 72 public-sector specialists serving over 41,000 farms and 50 million acres, the current producer-to-specialist ratio is unsustainable.

To ensure the long-term success of our producers and the mental well-being of our public servants, the ANPA proposes a significant increase in the number of District Agriculturalists (DAs). This expansion is designed to integrate with our previously proposed Salaried Veterinary Model and Crown Pharmaceutical Distribution Hub, creating a robust, one-stop support network for Alberta farmers.

The Case for Expansion

The current "lean" model risks employee burnout and leaves many producers without timely, neutral, and science-based advice. By increasing the number of professional DAs stationed in the 13 field offices (Airdrie, Barrhead, Brooks, Camrose, Fairview, Grande Prairie, Leduc, Lethbridge, Olds, Red Deer, Stettler, Stony Plain, and Vermilion), the Government of Alberta will realize significant benefits for both farmers and taxpayers.

Benefits for the Alberta Farmer

Benefit	Impact
Reduced Response Times	Producers receive localized, on-site expertise for pest management, soil health, and livestock nutrition without weeks of delay
Neutral, Science-Based Advice	Unlike private consultants tied to product sales, District Agriculturalists provide unbiased recommendations aimed at the farmer's bottom line
Local Resilience	Larger teams can better manage regional crises such as drought, flood, or disease outbreaks with immediate boots-on-the-ground support
Seamless Integration	DAs work alongside government veterinarians to coordinate herd health and pharmaceutical needs at a single location

Benefits for the Alberta Taxpayer

Benefit	Impact
Protection of Food Supply	Well-staffed extension service acts as early warning system for invasive species and livestock diseases, preventing costly wide-scale outbreaks requiring taxpayer-funded bailouts
Economic Multiplier	Research consistently shows high return for every dollar spent on agricultural extension through increased farm productivity and regional economic activity
Employee Retention & Efficiency	Reducing "massive demand" on current staff lowers costs associated with burnout, high turnover, and loss of institutional knowledge
Maximized Asset Utility	Increasing staff density within existing 13 field offices ensures government-owned facilities are utilized to full potential

The 13 Provincial Field Offices

The expansion would be centered on the existing Ministry infrastructure:

• Southern Alberta: Airdrie, Brooks, Lethbridge
• Central Alberta: Camrose, Leduc, Olds, Red Deer, Stettler, Stony Plain, Vermilion
• Northern Alberta: Barrhead, Fairview, Grande Prairie

Integration with Veterinary Services

This proposal complements the ANPA's Livestock Health & Sovereignty Initiative by creating unified service hubs where:

• District Agriculturalists provide agronomic and production advice
• Government-salaried veterinarians deliver clinical and diagnostic services
• Crown Pharmaceutical Distribution ensures at-cost medication access
• Producers receive comprehensive support at a single location

The Service-First Model

The Alberta Non-Partisan Association maintains that the "Service-First" model—defined by accessible, government-funded expertise—is the only way to protect Alberta's status as a global agricultural leader. We must stop the trend of extension privatization and reinvest in the people who support our food producers.