The Saskatchewan Agri-Food Council is an independent board appointed by the provincial government. Council is responsible to the Minister of Agriculture for the supervision of all agencies established under The Agri-Food Act, 2004 (Act). Specific activities of the Agri-Food Council include:
- providing advice to the Minister;
- assisting producer groups in establishing new check-offs;
- supervising votes on establishing marketing and development agencies;
- ensuring accountability, compliance and dispute resolution;
- monitoring the use of supply management powers;
- approving marketing orders of agencies established under the Act;
- participating as a signatory to federal-provincial agricultural marketing agreements;
- monitoring the financial aspects of the agencies;
- reporting, on an annual basis, the yearly performance of each agency;
- reviewing all reports required to be submitted pursuant to the Act, regulations, or by Council;
- conducting analyses of policies, programs and decisions made or proposed by an agency; and
- promoting the growth and development of industries affected by a plan of an agency by monitoring the impact of strategic plans adopted by the agency on the rate of growth and development of the industry.
The Council's role differs according to the two types of agencies under its jurisdiction. Agencies administering check-offs are essentially responsible to the producers who elect and fund them. As long as these agencies comply with reporting standards and remain in compliance with regulations then there is little requirement for an increased level of supervision. Marketing boards on the other hand, have been delegated powers that only a government can exercise under competition legislation, given their ability to establish prices and control production. This requires that a higher level of scrutiny be applied to ensure effective economic development.
The Saskatchewan Agri-Food Council is currently responsible for monitoring sixteen Saskatchewan agencies, including:
Mission Statement:
To Provide Leadership,
To Ensure open and responsible Operation of Agencies
Established Under the Act
And
To Regulate, Promote and Develop the Marketing
of Agricultural and Food Products
Values and Principles
The Council believes in and practices:
- Leadership in developing and supporting competitive agriculture and food industries;
- Open, fair and decisive undertakings under the authority of the Act;
- Accountability for actions affecting the public interest;
- Positive communication and consultation amongst participants
- Compliance with orders and regulations under the Act;
- Active development of opportunities to fulfil Saskatchewan's agricultural and Food production and marketing potential.
