NOTICE TO ALL ALBERTA OAT GROWER COMMISSION (AOGC) PRODUCERS (dated May 6, 2025)
AOGC is governed by regulations and has bylaws that guide our day-to-day operations and outline the rights of producers. The AOGC is regulated under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act and monitored by the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council (Marketing Council) (appointed by and accountable to the Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation).
As part of good governance, we are mandated to review these regulations (Plan and Commission Regulations) and bylaws on a regular basis. Currently, AOGC has reviewed, and is considering two potential changes to the bylaws:
- changing the quorum necessary for the conduct of business at an annual general Commission meeting (AGM) or a special Commission meeting (called by either AOGC, Marketing Council or on the written request of not less than 30% of eligible producers)—from 15 to 12 eligible producers, and
- creating flexibility in the timing of the selection of the board executive, either before or after the AGM, depending if an election is required.
These two bylaw changes will be brought forward by the board for producers’ consideration and vote at the 2026 AOGC AGM being held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Edmonton Westin. We invite producers to contact Executive Director Shawna Mathieson (at the contact information below) to bring forward any suggested changes, questions or concerns regarding any bylaws changes by November 17, 2025.
In advance of the 2026 AGM, the board has also initiated a review of the AOGC Commission Regulation and AOGC Plan Regulation, as, according to regulation, are due to be reviewed by July 2027. The board invites producers to review the current versions of the regulations and bylaws (below).
Any recommended changes to the Plan and Commission Regulations and bylaws will be brought forward to the AGM for producer vote. If accepted, the changes will move forward to the board for approval, followed by Marketing Council decision and Minister decision for the Plan Regulation.
If registered producers have questions, concerns or recommendations on any of the above, please contact our Executive Director at smathieson@poga.ca or 306-530-8545. Thank you for your input!
Alberta
Alberta Oat Growers Commission (AOGC) is regulated under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act in Alberta and monitored by the Alberta Marketing Council. Council members are appointed by and accountable to the Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development. AOGC is governed by the Alberta Oat Growers Commission Plan Regulation. The new AOGC Bylaws were approved at the AOGC annual general meeting in 2022 by producers in attendance. The Bylaws and updated AOGC Plan Regulations have been approved by the Alberta Government and can be found below:
ALberta Oat Growers Commission Regulation current as of August 1, 2024
AOGC Plan Regulation 2024 current as of August 29, 2022
Election Process
AOGC is governed by six farmer directors who are democratically elected by levy payers to ensure the Commission’s strategic priorities are effectively executed by the AOGC staff. Director responsibilities include board meetings, participation on various committees, and all directors that have not received a refund of their levy in the past two years are automatically a member of the Prairie Oat Growers (POGA) Board of Directors.
Elections for the AOGC Board of Directors are held every year. Farmers who have paid an oat levy within the two years prior to an election are eligible to run in the election. Interested producers can contact the POGA office to express interest and obtain the necessary forms for completion. Directors are elected for a three-year term and are eligible to hold office for a maximum of three consecutive terms.
Annual General Meeting
The AOGCs Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place each year in January unless there are extenuating circumstances. The AGM welcomes new directors in election years and includes the appointment of an accountant for the upcoming year, and reporting on the financials and activities of the past year as part of the annual report.
The AGM is a great opportunity for levy payers to ask questions or bring forward any resolutions (a formal motion requesting that AOGC take action on a particular activity or issue). If a producer is interested in bringing a resolution forward to the AGM, please contact the POGA office at least 30 days in advance for further information.
