The Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) has appointed a new Board of Directors.
Agriculture & Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier (Right) with newly-appointed AFSC Chairperson Jennifer Wood. (Photo/Government of Alberta)
Agriculture & Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier made the announcement yesterday at the Alberta Legislature, along with newly-appointed AFSC Chairperson Jennifer Wood.
Carlier said in a press release that the AFSC is an important partner in support economic growth and job creation in both the agriculture sector and in Alberta’s rural communities.
“The new board will provide essential oversight to help ensure the AFSC’s programs and services are delivered effectively and continue to meet the needs of rural Alberta,” said Carlier.
Wood, a professional agrologist based in the Edmonton area, says the board’s priority is to ensure management continues keeping pace with agriculture’s evolving needs.
“For more than 75 years, it’s offered financial tools helping producers to manage risks, like hail and drought,” said Wood. “It’s provided capital funding for entrepreneurs who want to start new ventures or expand their businesses.
“It’s also our intention to see the new board conduct its operations in a transparent and accountable manner that reflects the expectations of Albertans.”
The new board immediately replaces the interim board that was appointed in June 2016 after the previous board was fired over oversight concerns of senior executive expenses, as well as their procurement practices.
The provincial crown corporation provides loans, crop insurance and farm-income disaster assistance programs to farmers, agribusinesses and other small businesses.
In 2016, the AFSC insured 78 percent of total seeded annual acres, providing $4.5-billion in coverage.
Joining Wood on the board includes Jerry Bouma of Edmonton, Gordon Cove of Red Deer, Peter Galloway of Fort Saskatchewan, Jo-Ann Hall of Stony Plain, Harvey Hagman of Mayerthorpe, Anna Harder of Camrose, and Kiren Singh of Canmore.
– Posted by BET
