Non Partisan Association

Alberta's agricultural sector represents a cornerstone of provincial economic activity, combining diverse production systems with advanced technology to maintain global competitiveness while supporting rural communities throughout the province.

Production Diversity

Sector	Primary Products	Economic Significance
Livestock	Beef cattle, hogs, poultry	Major export commodity, processing employment
Grains	Wheat, barley, oats	Domestic and export markets, value-added processing
Oilseeds	Canola, flax	High-value export, crushing and refining
Specialty Crops	Pulses, hemp, organic	Premium markets, diversification opportunity

This production diversity provides economic resilience while supporting a range of farm operations from family-scale enterprises to large commercial operations.

Geographic and Climate Factors

Alberta's agricultural potential is shaped by distinct regional conditions. Southern regions benefit from longer growing seasons and irrigation infrastructure, supporting diverse crop production. Central parkland areas combine crop and livestock operations. Northern regions focus primarily on livestock and adapted crop varieties. These geographic variations create opportunities for specialized production while requiring region-specific support and infrastructure.

Technology and Innovation

Modern Alberta agriculture leverages advanced technologies to optimize productivity and environmental performance:

• Precision Agriculture: GPS-guided equipment, variable-rate application, soil mapping for optimized inputs
• Genetic Improvement: Crop varieties and livestock breeds developed for Alberta conditions and market demands
• Data Analytics: Farm management systems integrating weather, market, and agronomic data
• Sustainable Practices: Conservation tillage, integrated pest management, water efficiency

Support Infrastructure

Effective agricultural policy requires comprehensive support systems including:

• Risk Management: Crop insurance, disaster assistance, and market stabilization programs
• Research and Development: Public and private investment in agronomic research and variety development
• Extension Services: Knowledge transfer connecting research with on-farm implementation
• Infrastructure: Transportation, irrigation, and storage capacity supporting market access

The agricultural sector's continued success depends on policies that support innovation, manage risk, and maintain the infrastructure necessary for competitive production and market access.

Aquaculture Expansion

The NPA supports expanding aquaculture in Alberta as a means of diversifying the agricultural sector and enhancing domestic food security. Land-based fish farming operations can:

• Diversify Agricultural Income: Provide new revenue streams for rural communities beyond traditional farming
• Enhance Food Security: Reduce dependence on imported seafood products
• Create Rural Employment: Generate skilled jobs in aquaculture operations and processing
• Utilize Existing Infrastructure: Leverage Alberta's water resources and agricultural expertise

Dutch-Style Greenhouse Industry

The NPA supports developing a Dutch-style greenhouse industry to increase domestic food security and reduce Alberta's reliance on imported produce. The Netherlands—a country smaller than Alberta—is the world's second-largest agricultural exporter due to its advanced greenhouse systems.

Strategic benefits of greenhouse expansion:

• Year-Round Production: Climate-controlled environments enable consistent vegetable and fruit production regardless of Alberta's weather
• Food Security: Reduce vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and import dependencies
• Resource Efficiency: Modern greenhouses use significantly less water and land than field production
• Economic Development: Create high-value agricultural employment and export opportunities
• Energy Integration: Potential to utilize waste heat from industrial processes and natural gas production