The following is taken from the Alberta Approved Farmers’ Markets
Program Guidelines:
1. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
i) Farmers’ Market Specialist: Responsible for the overall administration of the Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market Program on behalf of the Minister, Agriculture and Rural Development. This includes, but is not limited to, leading the Farmers’ Market Review Panel, conducting market visits, liaising with market sponsors, managers, vendors and customers by providing these stakeholders with information regarding the Program, liaising with other government departments in regards to legislation and regulations affecting farmers’ markets and their vendors and sitting as an ex officio board member of AFMA.
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Website: www.sunnygirl.ca
ii) Regulatory Services Division: Responsible for inspecting and verifying the safe production of meat and meat products at provincially licensed meat facilities, as well as ensuring compliance to assigned legislation. The division is responsible for the administration of 14 statutes and 30 regulations, maintaining and enhancing public confidence by ensuring consistency and co-ordination through investigation and enforcement activities as required.
Website: www.agric.gov.ab.ca
2. Alberta Farmers’ Market Association
The Alberta Farmers’ Market Association (AFMA) provides direction and support to member markets, vendors, managers, boards and sponsors through advocacy, education, promotion and innovation. AFMA works in conjunction with the Farmers’ Market Specialist to develop and deliver programming to farmers’ market stakeholders and participates on the Approved Farmers’ Market Advisory Panel. AFMA provides value to members through a variety of means which includes developing and delivering customer-focused marketing and branding strategies for Alberta Approved Farmers’ Markets.
Website: www.albertamarkets.com
3. Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association
The Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association (AFFPA) is a voluntary membership, non-profit organization representing farm direct market growers selling directly to consumers via farmers’ markets, U-Pick farms, and/or farm gate sales. Programming specific to farmers’ market vendors is delivered in conjunction with the Farmers’ Market Specialist and/or AFMA.
Website: www.albertafarmfresh.com
4. Alberta Health and Wellness
Alberta Health and Wellness (AHW) is responsible for setting health policy, including the development of the Alberta Public Health Act and Food Regulation. One AHW representative participates on the Approved Farmers’ Market Advisory Panel and works closely with the Farmers’ Market Specialist to develop industry-specific food safety training programs.
Website: www.health.alberta.ca
5. Alberta Health Services
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is the provincial health authority responsible for health service delivery, including the enforcement of the Alberta Public Health Act and Food Regulation. Representatives work closely with AHW and the Farmers’ Market Specialist to develop industry-specific food safety training programs.
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Website: www.albertahealthservices.ca
6. Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is the federal agency mandated to safeguard Canada’s food supply and the plants and animals upon which safe and high-quality food depends. The CFIA is responsible for the administration and enforcement of 15 Acts and their related regulations.
Website: www.inspection.gc.ca