Agricultural Institute of Canada The national not-for-profit organization which promotes the profession of agrology and the science of agriculture Agricultural Institute of Canada

A federated structure 9 Provincial Institutes — regulate the profession under provincial legislation Alberta Institute of Agrologists British Columbia Institute of Agrologists Manitoba Institute of Agrologists New Brunswick Institute of Agrologists Newfoundland & Labrador Institute of Agrologists Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists Ontario Institute of Agrologists Prince Edward Island Institute of Agrologists Saskatchewan Institutes of Agrologists 8 Scientific Societies — promote scientific research and development Canadian Agricultural Economics Society Canadian Consulting Agrologists’ Association Canadian Society of Agrometeorology Canadian Society of Agronomy Canadian Society of Animal Science Canadian Society of Extension Canadian Society for Horticultural Science Canadian Society of Soil Science AIC 5,500 professional agrologists and scientists

Agricultural Institute of Canada The Profession Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) – licensed and accountable Governed by a strict code of ethics Required to continuously update skills and knowledge In 5 provinces must be registered to practice In 4 provinces must be registered to use P.Ag.

Agricultural Institute of Canada Promote the Profession of Agrology Provide opportunities for Agrologists – nationally and internationally Promote agrology as a career Provide quality advice to regulators and policy makers Promote and facilitate access to quality professional development Enhance understanding of the industry

Agricultural Institute of Canada Enhance the Science of Agriculture Publish 3 internationally respected Scientific Journals Canadian Journal of Animal Science Canadian Journal of Plant Science Canadian Journal of Soil Science Accredit Baccalaureate programs across Canada Facilitate access to respected Agricultural Scientists Provide forum for sharing of research and science (scientific symposia)

Agricultural Institute of Canada Concerns Perceived subsidy of one group’s activities by another group Vulnerability of the structure to sudden loss of an organization member Lack of sense of ownership Lack of relevance for members, both individual and organization

Agricultural Institute of Canada Concerns… Disconnect of the individual from the organization Value for fees and willingness to pay Lack of dialogue Decision making is complex AIC’s role in setting national standards Lack of clarity about what AIC does

Agricultural Institute of Canada The national organization should: provide a forum to integrate the scientific and professional agricultural sectors with the primary agricultural production and food sectors be a forum for interaction between all sectors of agriculture be a coordinating and facilitating organization for professional, scientific, production agriculture and agri-food organizations in other countries

Agricultural Institute of Canada Facilitates access to a reliable and trusted source of information to the general public on agricultural issues be a national contact for similar organizations in other countries and international organizations The national organization should:

Agricultural Institute of Canada Criteria for evaluating models for a new organization Positions AIC to be prepared to proactively make the best of opportunities to: Promote the professional and scientific expertise of the individuals represented by the organization Inform and educate the public, government decision makers, and members of AIC on issues facing agriculture today Nationally coordinate the efforts of the organizations represented by AIC

Agricultural Institute of Canada Time lines for AIC structure process May 30 — a report to the AIC board and member organizations that incorporates member input and requests feedback by the end of August June 1 to August 31 — presentations on the proposal by AIC board members and staff to member organizations August 31 — feedback from member organizations collated. Based on this feedback, Summit II may be required

Agricultural Institute of Canada Time lines… September 30 — final report from the Models Task Force sent to the AIC board October/November — AIC board decides on new membership structure and a process to bring it into operation 2004 — development and planning 2005 — implementation