In December 2008, the Government of Alberta released the Land-use Framework (LUF), which is an approach to manage long term growth in the province while balancing social and environmental goals. Seven regional plans will be developed under the LUF, and the regional boundaries are aligned with major watersheds, natural regions and existing municipal boundaries.
The agriculture industry has an important role to play in the LUF, as it continues to be a cornerstone of Alberta’s economic well-being and has goals aligned with the province's desire for a long-term sustainable economy, a healthy environment and a strong social fabric.
AEPA recognizes the need to put forward an agriculture perspective in a consistent and timely manner. AEPA has developed a Land-use Framework Engagement Strategy and includes key strategic directions to engage the agriculture industry and provide input into the Land-use Framework policies, strategies and regional planning processes.
An AEPA Advisory Team was formed June 2009 to support the AEPA’s LUF Engagement Strategy’s goals, which are to:
- Provide wise recommendations and solutions on how to manage land in the face of competing interests and challenges.
- Provide support to the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) representatives from the agriculture sector.
- Maintain and enhance relationships with the RACs and other key players involved in land-use planning and decision making.
- Develop within the agriculture sector a common understanding about the process for providing input to the LUF regional plans.