Growing The Island Way
In its press release, the Commission on the Future of Agriculture and Agri-food on Prince Edward Island has challenged farmers and food processors to be leaders in a bold new vision of growth, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability for the Province's largest industry. The twelve-member Commission released a Consultation Draft Report on October 30, 2008 after hearing over 40 presentations, reviewing written submissions, and holding a dozen Commission meetings over the summer and fall. This document will promote discussion, debate, and consensus building at a series of consultation workshops with agri-food system partners scheduled for November 25, 27 and 28, 2008.
Purpose of Commission
THE COMMISSION ON THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
The Commission on the Future of Agriculture and Agri-food has been established to articulate a vision for agriculture and agri-food in Prince Edward Island and recommend steps to implement and achieve the vision.
Co-Chairs
The Commission will be co-chaired by Rory Francis, Executive Director of the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance and former Deputy Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Dr. Ed Tyrchniewicz, an Agricultural Economist who recently retired as Associate Dean of the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba and Professor in the Department of Supply Chain Management.
Appointment of Members
The twelve members of the Commission have been appointed by the Co-chairs and the Project Management Team (consisting of representatives from government and industry). While the majority of the members are producers, there are also representatives from agricultural support industries and the community.
Project Secretariat
In carrying out its mandate, the commission will have access to professional and administrative support staff in the form of a Project Secretariat. The Project Secretariat will provide research and coordination assistance and report to the co-chairs and members.
Background Document
Under the oversight of the co-chairs, the Secretariat has developed a background document on the current state of agriculture and agri-food on PEI. This document will serve as the foundation for the initial work of the Commission. This document can be viewed on the web site under 'Commission Reports'.
The Process
The Commission process, which will be undertaken between late-June and November, will be designed to allow stakeholder organizations to be engaged, formally, as organizations; at the same time, the process will allow individuals, while potentially affiliated with organizations, to speak with their own voices. The general public will also have the opportunity to become involved.
The web site offers a list of questions for individuals or organizations to answer. Responses to these questions will help the Commission develop an achievable vision and action plan for the agriculture and the agri-food sector.
The Commission will also invite farm organizations and groups to present their suggestions directly to the Commission.
Draft Report and Additional Consultations
The Commission will produce a draft report in late October. This report will form the foundation for a second round of industry and public consultations, which will cumulate in an achievable vision and an implementation plan to achieve the vision.
Final Report
The Commission will present the Final Report to the Federal and Provincial Ministers of Agriculture by December 5, 2008.
Implementation and Accountability
A clear expectation is that the Final Report will include a plan for the implementation of the report's recommendations. This implementation process should also recommend accountability measures to ensure that all stakeholders, including government, retailers, consumers and the public play their optimal role to ensure the implementation of the report's recommendations.