Alberta Pulse Growers has been accepted as a member of the Grain Growers of Canada, the national group announced Friday.
“The 4,500 farmer members of the Alberta Pulse Growers bring expertise to our board on the many issues facing their sector and we are looking forward to their input and perspective,” president Ross Ravelli said in a GGC release.
“Their philosophy tailors well with our vision, and they recognize the value of belonging to a policy-orientated national organization with a strong voice in Ottawa,” said Ravelli, a grain grower near Dawson Creek in northern B.C.
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“We have seen sustained increases in pulse crop acreage, and with this growth our producers have become more aware of how national policies can help or hinder our success as farmers,” APG commissioner Barry Grabo of Strathmore, Alta., said in the release.
The pulse growers’ group felt GGC could help advance its interests on issues such as farm safety nets, grain transportation, the cost and availability of ag inputs and international trade issues.
“Belonging to this national association gives our members far more influence on the federal policies we need to be successful as farmers,” said Grabo, who now represents APG on the Grain Growers’ board of directors.
The GGC bills itself as representing the interests of 90,000 grain, pulse crop and oilseed producers across Canada through its member organizations.
