Getting Started
There are two general types of agencies established under The Agri-Food Act, 2004 (Act). These are development agencies (boards and commissions administering producer check-offs) and marketing boards. The Act provides a framework for the promotion, development and regulation of production and marketing of Agri-Food products. Producer-elected and operated agencies may be established under the authority of the Act, to administer marketing and development plans. There must be wide support from the industry’s producers in order to establish an agency.
In developing an agency, the producers must also consider the cost of managing the development board, including hiring a general manager and support staff, the cost of an office, office supplies, furniture, computers and general operating requirements such as phones. Although each agency differs in its operating practices and a few agencies have been exceptionally frugal in their operating costs, generally speaking, it costs at least $100,000 to operate an office for one year.
The following provides some general information on the process required to start a development agency and the requirements to develop a check-off.
Establishing a refundable check-off
Establishing a non-refundable check-off
|
Purpose |
Initiated by: |
Powers |
Directors |
Establishment |
|
|
Development Commission |
To promote and develop the production, marketing or production and marketing of a defined agricultural product. |
Producers or Lieutenant Governor in Council |
Collect a refundable check-off that will be used for research and development of the industry. |
Elected and appointed. |
Vote of producers whereby 60% of voters vote in favour Or Discretion of Cabinet |
|
Development Board |
To promote and develop the production, marketing or production and marketing of a defined agricultural product. |
Producers |
Collect a non-refundable check-off that will be used for research and development of the industry. |
Elected and appointed. |
Vote of producers whereby 60% of voters vote in favour |
|
Marketing Board |
To promote, develop, regulate, and control the production, marketing or production and marketing of a defined agricultural product. |
Producers |
Compulsory marketing powers including supply management which regulates the quantity, quality, grade or class of product produced in Saskatchewan. |
Elected and appointed. |
Vote of producers whereby 80% of voters vote in favour |
