Agriculture Albertas High Tech Field Rural Alberta is the foundation of our provinces culture and economy and

d today, it is at the forefront of cutting-edge agriculture and agri-food production. Our continued success and prosperity require agriculture and rural development policies that capitalize on our resources and know-how, respect the environment and make use of the latest technology to keep Alberta one step ahead of the competition. Those working in Albertas Agriculture industry know it continues to change. Investments have been made in technology scarcely imagined a few short decades ago. Technology is the common theme for all Alberta industries: Agriculture is no different. We need policies to support and encourage our farmers to continue to lead the way in productive and high tech agricultural practices. We need: Predictable funding of technological advances Commodity producers to become preferred global suppliers Government to be a responsive and innovative partner for suppliers to the local and niche markets The ability for Albertans who would rather work and live in rural communities to be able to connect seamlessly to the world.

Suppliers to Global Markets The worlds population is at 7 billion and in the next 30 years, it will climb to 9 billion. Global stability will depend on the ability of a handful of countries to deliver supplies to an increasingly hungry planet. The ability to grow and export vast amounts of food will make rural Alberta more important than ever before. Among these few net exporters is Canada. And in Canada, Alberta is a top producer of key commodities such as grains and meat. This puts us in a privileged but challenging position. We have the resources, ingenuity, and experience to succeed. However, we have focused too much on price to compete with low-cost producers. We need to concentrate on our strengths: quality, environmental stewardship and reliability. I will: Focus on research to deliver innovation. Alberta should be a leader in advances to the fields of animal and human health and welfare, food safety and its traceability, water use and genetic improvement to cattle, grains and pulse crops. But we also need to push beyond these areas, exploring new avenues to advance agricultural technology and sustainably raise production. Ensure research success with my commitment to long-term funding delivered by a predictable system. Work with the federal government and international organizations to ensure we capitalize on homegrown advances. For instance, I will strengthen our relations with the Canada Grain

Commission to secure the timely approval of new varieties. Extend our commitment to sustainability to the agricultural sector. Farmers have a deep respect for the land and are among the best stewards of Albertas environment. With the proper incentives, they can innovate and scale up existing efforts, enormously benefitting everyone. I will offer tax credits for habitat development and the expanded use of marginal lands. Collaborate with the federal government on marketing initiatives to secure targeted access for Albertas producers, establishing them as long-term preferred global suppliers to consumers worldwide.

Local and Niche Markets Increasingly, health-conscious consumers are demanding specialized products that meet their concerns and lifestyle choices and our province can meet their needs. Already, Kinnikinnick Foods in Edmonton is the largest dedicated gluten-free manufacturer in North America and I want to spur similar success stories. Producers need a responsive and innovative partner in government. My government will: Shore up existing successful programs such as Early Funding for Value Added in Agri-food Production and the Alberta Capital Finance Authority -- to finance start-ups, help with marketing and deliver technology solutions that work for local and global markets. Extend our focus on energy efficiency to include programs for the food-processing sector. I will establish public-private partnerships to help businesses capitalize on the geo-thermal power they already produce but do not use. Design an incentive and reward system to encourage individual action on energy efficiency, sustainability and innovative agri-food solutions. Identify and implement creative solutions to ease logistical bottlenecks arising from inclement weather and the vast distances between producers and markets. Ensure that government regulation is flexible and allows for production and sale of noncommodity goods.

Rural Development By tapping into growing appreciation for the quiet life while offering a full suite of 21st century technological amenities like always-on connections, we can attract professionals and young families to rural Alberta as well as innovative entrepreneurs. This move is sure to replenish the declining population and allow new arrivals the freedom to pursue rewarding careers without any loss in productivity. We already have the SuperNet, a broadband fibre-optic network linking schools, libraries and government offices throughout the province to the Internet.

Alberta is the only province in Canada to have such a system. This is another example of the kind of public-private partnership we want to build on. The province invested less than half of the $500 million it took to build the network, but Albertans own the infrastructure. Private business operates and links the service to consumers, making service competitive and fair. However, rural Alberta still needs a network of towers to ensure households and businesses have access to high-speed connections at competitive rates. As Premier I will: Decide on the right public-private partnership model to build the towers to deliver seamless Internet connectivity to rural Alberta, creating a thriving and competitive marketplace. I want all Albertans to be able to choose between rural and urban lifestyles without hindering their ability to contribute to the provinces prosperity or excel in the field of their choice. My vision is for a thriving agricultural sector that contributes to sustainable development and stability at home and abroad.