Alberta Regulation 123/2025 updates and continues the Alberta Beef Producers Plan under the authority of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act. This regulation outlines the governance, administration, and purpose of the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) Plan, while repealing the previous Alberta Beef Producers Plan Regulation (AR 286/2009). The regulation designates cattle and cattle products—including beef, offal, hides, and other by-products—as regulated agricultural products under the Act. It applies across Alberta and remains in effect indefinitely unless specifically terminated.

The Plan’s core objective is to provide authority to the Alberta Beef Producers Commission to develop and implement initiatives related to the production and marketing of cattle and cattle products. These initiatives may include educating producers, promoting domestic and international markets, conducting research, lobbying the government, and engaging in outreach and industry collaboration. The Commission is also authorized to work with the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency (the Canada Board) under the federal Farm Products Agencies Act. This cooperation may extend to entering agreements, acting as an agent, or supporting national research and promotion efforts.

The Alberta Beef Producers Commission itself is preserved under the regulation and is tasked with supervising, regulating, and enforcing the provisions of the Plan and its bylaws. It has the authority to enact operational regulations with the approval of the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council. These powers include requiring producer registration, categorizing industry stakeholders, collecting data, levying and collecting service charges, initiating legal actions for unpaid charges, issuing refunds where appropriate, and directing funds to the Canada Board.

Financing for the Plan is primarily through service charges and levies collected from cattle producers, with additional funding sources permitted. All levies due to the Canada Board must be remitted accordingly. The Commission may also determine how funds are allocated to its operations and strategic initiatives.

In terms of governance, the Commission will consist of a board of directors ranging from nine to fifteen members, elected in accordance with established bylaws. The regulation sets detailed procedures for elections, including rules on eligibility, addressing vacancies, and handling irregularities. When a director leaves office before their term concludes, the Commission may appoint a qualified replacement with Council approval. If an election fails due to insufficient voter turnout, the position is considered vacant but with a term that has technically commenced. Disputes over election outcomes must be submitted in writing to the Council within 30 days. If the complaint is deemed to have materially affected the results, a new election may be ordered. The Council retains the discretion to fill vacancies by election, appointment, or other bylaw-approved means.

Alberta (123/2025) June 11, 2025
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