With the 2024 growing season set to get underway, farm families in the region and across the province are gearing up to once again play their vital role in making Alberta’s economy thrive while helping to feed the nation and the world.
As always, the success or failure of the agriculture industry in the province will have profound impacts on the community-at-large, both in small towns and counties and in larger urban centres.
As such, the provincial government should and must be prepared to do everything it can to support farmers and ranchers in 2024 – and failing to do so will certainly be noted by all residents.
In the run-up to the upcoming growing season, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson has reiterated the fact that the province’s agriculture community should never be underestimated in terms of its importance to every Albertan.
“Alberta’s agriculture industry puts food on tables, creates jobs and contributes to our province’s economy, growth and prosperity,” said Sigurdson.
“As we prepare for what may be another dry growing season, our government is taking steps to support producers by ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.”
Indeed the province is already working with its stakeholder partners, including towns and counties in this district, to prepare for what could be a very dry summer.
“We are working to address water needs and are meeting with farmers, ranchers, municipalities, businesses, communities and irrigation districts to ensure their concerns and inputs are heard,” he said.
Government plans to address the possible drought include spending $50 million on the Water Management Program to complete vital projects such as the Dickson Dam Capacity Enhancement Project.
Should the predictions of drought in Alberta come true this year, residents in communities large and small will expect, and indeed insist, that the Smith government make addressing the crisis a very top priority.
And that response should entail any and all measures required, including financial support for producers at whatever levels are needed.
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
