4 THE CAAR COMMUNICATOR Valued ag associations Why do agricultural associations exist? The period of COVID lockdowns accompanied by economic disruptions forced many within the ag industry to re-evaluate their commitment to multiple associations supporting and representing components of this dynamic industry. The majority of ag associations took the time to pivot and adjust to the new environment. We experienced the value of digital technologies in maintaining and building real-time connections with stakeholders and members. Now that we have worked through the disruption of the past three years, it is once again time to re-enforce the value of ag associations and the benefits of membership. Associations bring together incredible people who become mentors and friends and help challenge the norm. They inspire investments in people that enable us to build better teams, adopt an open and growth mindset, and commit to being lifelong learners, all of which benefit members, associations, and the agriculture industry. Other important roles served by ag associations like CAAR are the support and showcasing of new tools, providing relevant information that supports the adoption of new technologies by farmers, and being supported by ag retailers and staff. The challenges and opportunities of ag associations continue as agriculture production continues to evolve. We continue to experience farm, retail, and manufacturing cost-driven consolidation, consumer-driven innovation, and expedited changes due to globalization and technology in every aspect of production and marketing. The past three years have demonstrated how critical it is to remain connected through participation in public and regulatory policy amendments. How consumers, ideology, and non-agriculture stakeholders are influencing policy today and tomorrow. The inclusion of major and minor stakeholder voices should be commended with a caveat. Are the recommendations based on sound science, economic benefit, trade expansion, or opinion? Associations play the role of the common-sense contributor on federal and provincial committees and roundtable discussions. Federal public policy has shifted leadership from health to the environment. This specifically impacts Canadian primary ag producers and the supporting industries. Environmental policy tends to be more emotional than practical and science-driven. Once again, the voice of reason that ag associations provide plays a critical role in demonstrating the big picture of agriculture throughout the value chain. Many voices are attempting to detract current farm practices to pigeonhole facts to modify or revamp public policy. They show little demonstration or consideration for the long-term impact on the industry. So why should you invest in associations, specifically CAAR? There are plenty of reasons! CAAR represents multiple components of the agriculture value change. For example, the majority of agronomists who support primary agriculture production are themselves employed by ag retailers. CAAR also discusses and represents best management practices (BMPs), the introduction and adoption of new technologies, environmental and nutrient stewardship compliance, and soil health and farm safety knowledge. Agricultutural retail locations are defined by a similar group of BMPs and more. Environmental stewardship and transportation of dangerous goods are critical to the location and the community that surrounds it. The critical components cannot be delivered or adhered to without the training and certification of CAAR and affiliated partners. As regulations are amended, CAAR has been afforded opportunities to provide input and comment, representing ag retailers, to limit overburdening. CAAR will continue to invest in training relating to health, safety, the environment, and compliance. Leadership and management development training programs have been identified as a need to address. Equally critical are future ag retail employee engagement and career opportunities. Succession activities are increasing as managers and owners retire. Ag retail provides many fulfilling opportunities, such as the ability to remain in the community with recognition as a leader while maintaining the viability of small- and medium-sized rural towns. The future of agriculture and supporting industries, along with agricultural associations, is bright if we all work together as a unified voice. CAAR requires the strong support of ag retailers, industry leaders, and consultants to continue delivering critical training, services, benefits, and advocacy today and tomorrow. Mitch Rezansoff Executive Director EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Produce. Protect. Proud. PUBLISHER 205 - 1 Wesley Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6 TF: 800-463-9323 | T: 204-989-9300 E: info@caar.org | W: caar.org Executive Director: Mitch Rezansoff Marketing, Communications & Event Manager: Nikeisha Paul-Hunninghan Distribution: Farms.com PUBLISHING PARTNER 90 Woodlawn Road W Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 Tel: 888-248-4893 Email: CAAR@Farms.com Website: www.Farms.com CONTRIBUTORS: Ainsley Andres, Writer Denise Faguy, Associate Editor Andrew Joseph, Editor COVER nullplus/iStock/Getty Images Plus; toto8888/iStock/Getty Images Plus DESIGN & LAYOUT Tanya Myers ADVERTISING SALES Andrew Bawden Director of Business Development and Digital Media 877-438-5729 X 5030 Email: Andrew.Bawden@Farms.com Website: www.Farms.com NEXT AD BOOKING DEADLINE January 8, 2024 ANNUAL PUBLICATION SCHEDULE February, April, August, October, December © 2024 The Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers. CAAR makes no expressed or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise, concerning the use of any product or fertilizer and assumes no liability for any injury or damage, direct or consequential, which may be incurred from the use of such products or services therein. Federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations supersede the information contained herein. Canadian Mail Publications Sales Agreement #42518524 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to 90 Woodlawn Rd W, Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 Printed in Canada. Please recycle where facilities exist. FOLLOW US ON
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc0MDI3