By rdnewsNOW Staff

Fresh faces

Three new board members for the Agricultural Financial Services Corporation

Apr 15, 2022 | 3:00 AM

Three new board members have been appointed to the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) and the province says they will help support rural Alberta’s economic recovery and growth.

As a provincial Crown corporation, AFSC provides loans, crop insurance and farm income disaster assistance programs to farmers, agribusinesses and other small businesses.

“We are excited to welcome our new board members and appreciate the diversity of skills they bring to complement the existing strengths of our board,” said Kelly Smith-Fraser, AFSC board chair.

The three newly appointed and one reappointed member will work with the existing board of directors to continue oversight of AFSC. Officials say the board helps ensure the agency’s programs and services are delivered effectively and meet the unique needs of agricultural producers and rural businesses.

The new board members are:

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• Andre Harpe – crop producer, Valhalla Centre
• Michael Howden – accountant, Foothills
• Ross Bricker – cattle producer, Didsbury

The new appointments began on April 12 with their terms set to expire on April 12, 2025.

The Alberta government says they represent a broad and diverse cross-section of the industry. The province also says the new members reflect the government’s commitment to support Alberta’s economic recovery as well as AFSC’s commitment to be responsive to farmers and provide programs that support agribusinesses.

Continuing board members are:

• Kelly Smith-Fraser, board chair – cattle producer, Pine Lake
• Rodney Bradshaw – primary producer, Red Deer County
• Chioma Ufodike – forensic accountant, Calgary
• Renata Colic – finance and investor relations, Calgary

As Colic has been reappointed for a two-year term, it is set to expire on April 12, 2024.

“AFSC’s diverse board of directors ensures the organization continues to meet the needs of the province’s crop and livestock producers and agribusinesses,” said Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development

“After experiencing drought conditions last summer, we are reminded how important proactive business risk management is for the agriculture and agri-food industries. Andre, Michael and Ross will make great additions to the team.”