This article appeared in the Winter 2014 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Richard Krikke, APG President

I am a volunteer. I volunteer because it strengthens my community and allows me to provide input into the direction of projects and activities and it keeps me connected.

The agriculture industry is full of opportunities to become engaged and active; some may even say producers can become ‘fatigued’ with all the chances to participate. I’m happy to say that Alberta Pulse Growers is one organization that has not challenged me with this issue. Alberta Pulse Growers has just completed its Zone meetings in November. We had excellent turn out of producers to all of our meetings and an injection of new Advisor members into our Zones.

This system of Zones and Advisors provides Alberta Pulse Growers with a pool of resources that we can tap into for input as well as feedback. This builds a strong network across Alberta, representing all of our membership. This is a natural succession plan for the organization. Our organization configuration is looked upon by others in our industry as highly positive. Geographic representation, pulse crop diversity, and different farming practices all contribute to an interesting discussion that allows us make informed decisions for the industry as a whole. These decisions are what will continue to move us to innovate and grow.

Advisors are volunteers; which makes me proud to know that the Alberta Pulse Growers are in good hands into the future.

Welcome to the new Advisors, and thank you to all Advisors for choosing Alberta Pulse Growers as the organization you are interested in growing into the future.

In preparation for the future, specifically this next year, I’d like to extend an invite to all pulse growers in Alberta to join the provincial organization at our Annual General Meeting (AGM). On January 29th, 2014, from 2:45 – 3:45 PM Alberta Pulse Growers will be conducting our AGM. Registration will open at 2:15 PM. The meeting will be at Hall E of the Edmonton Expo Centre at Northlands in Edmonton. Our AGM is hosted in conjunction with FarmTech 2014, however, you do not need to purchase a registration to attend the AGM. It is open for anyone to join us to hear what is new with our organization.

During our AGM we will be providing an overview of the highlights of last fiscal year, update on the financial health of the organization, and an outlook to some priority areas for the 2013-14 year. In addition, we are pleased to have Mr. Gordon Bacon, CEO of Pulse Canada, report on what they have focused on for the year and what is happening in the future for our national organization.

At the AGM we hold elections for two Commissioner representatives; Bean and Non-Bean, Commissioners at Large. These Commissioners represent growers in their area but also represent growers of those pulse crops across Alberta. The Commissioner-at-Large positions are one year terms and provide an excellent opportunity for producers to participate with the provincial organization and fully understand and contribute to identify opportunity and tackle issues for the industry at the provincial level.

Resolutions are also being accepted by Alberta Pulse Growers until January 15th. All resolutions must be received at the provincial office by either fax 780-980-2570 or email office@pulse.ab.ca or mail (5007B-49 Avenue, Leduc, AB, T9E 6M6) on or before that date. The resolutions committee will review the submission and work with the movers to present it appropriately for discussion at the AGM.

Finally, I wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season and I look forward to seeing you at the Alberta Pulse Growers Commission AGM on January 29th, 2014.