Farm Industry Review Board

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

Under the Natural Products Marketing Act, the Farm Industry Review Board is responsible for the general supervision of the operations of the three provincial supply-managed agricultural commodity boards (Chicken Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador and Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador); hearing appeals filed by any person who is aggrieved by or dissatisfied with orders, decisions or determination of the commodity boards; and acting as a signatory to federal-provincial agreements for supply-managed commodities.

Under the Farm Practices Protection Act, the Board is responsible for hearing complaints from persons aggrieved by odour, noise, dust or other disturbances arising from agriculture operations, and may also study and report generally on farm practices. The Board is accountable to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its administrative operations, but is independent of Government in its decision-making.

Structure:

The Natural Products Marketing Act requires that the Farm Industry Review Board shall consist of not less than five and not more than seven members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, one of whom shall be nominated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture (NLFA). The Board reports directly to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. Members of the Board are appointed for a three-year term and are eligible for reappointment. The Board is supported by one permanent government employee, the Board Manager.

Competency Profile:

Those who make up the Farm Industry Review Board should collectively possess the following core competencies:

• knowledge of the provincial agriculture industry (particularly the supply-managed sector);
• knowledge of applicable legislation;
• experience with public advocacy;
• experience with public sector administration;
• experience in board governance;
• experience in financial expertise/literacy;
• experience with conflict management; and
• knowledge of general environmental management.

Qualifications:

• High ethical standards and integrity;
• appreciation of the responsibilities to the public;
• flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions;
• capable of a wide perspective on issues;
• ability to listen and work as a team member;
• no direct or indirect conflict of interest;
• strong reasoning skills; and
• strong communication skills.

Time Commitments:

Members of the Farm Industry Review Board should be available to meet at least six times per year. On occasion, and sporadically, Board members may also be expected to spend additional time to review materials and prepare for Board meetings.

Term:

All members of the Farm Industry Review Board shall hold office for a period of three years.

Vacancy Profile:

The Farm Industry Review Board is seeking to fill up to four positions. Expressions of interest are being sought from individuals who possess the background, experience and skill-set identified in the Board profile above and are not chicken farmers, dairy farmers, or egg farmers. Consideration will also be given to a variety of demographic factors to ensure the Board is representative of the population it serves.