The new logo for Alberta Grains, a merger between the Alberta Wheat Commission and Alberta Barley. (Photo: Alberta Grains)

By Justin Goulet/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Joining Forces

Alberta Grains unveiled as new name for merged wheat and barley commission

Jul 18, 2023 | 2:11 PM

The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) and Alberta Barley have come together as one.

The new name of their merged commission has been announced as Alberta Grains. The new commission will begin operating in place of the Alberta Wheat and Barley commissions on Aug. 1.

Greg Sears, chair of AWC said, “We are thrilled to join the forces of Alberta Barley and AWC to create Alberta Grains. Our new organization will be focused on delivering value to our farmers and other stakeholders while contributing to the growth and sustainability of the grain industry in Alberta.”

A news release stated that Alberta Grains will “build on the strengths of both organizations to create a unified voice for the province’s 18,000 wheat and barley farmers.”

Officials said the logo serves as a symbol of Alberta Grains’ commitment and unified strength towards the province’s crop sector.

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Alberta Barley chair Tara Sawyer said, “Both boards are proud of the collaboration and focus over the past two years and this announcement is an exciting step forward for our organizations and the agricultural sector in Alberta.”

Sawyer added, “Our hope is that through the new commission, we will continue to add value and further fiscal and operational efficiencies.”

The commissions started the journey towards the merger in 2017 by implementing a shared management structure, consulting with a farmer sub-committee and engaging in discussions and consultations with the province’s wheat and barley farmers. In October 2022, Alberta wheat and barley farmers voted in favour of amalgamating the commissions through two plebiscites.

More details are available at the Alberta Grains website. Additionally, draft bylaws for the new commissions are available online and will be open for consultation until July 25. Farmers are encouraged to share their feedback on the bylaws by emailing info@albertagrains.com.