Governance

Who the Yukon Agricultural Association is

The Yukon Agricultural Association (YAA) is a non-profit incorporated society registered under the Societies Act.

The association operates in accordance with the Societies Act and the YAA’s Bylaws. These bylaws, approved by our members, guide the organization’s governance, decision-making, and operations. The most recent version was approved at the 2023 Annual General Meeting.

 Governing Documents:

Yukon Agricultural Association Bylaws

2022-2027 Strategic Plan

2025 Framework

What We Do

YAA works to strengthen Yukon’s agricultural sector through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Our activities include:

  • Educational Support: Providing events, workshops, and access to publications applicable to the region.

  • Infrastructure Development: Supporting coordination of territorial agricultural infrastructure projects, services and programs.

  • Liaison Services: Aligning the agricultural interests to facilitate unified dialogue with government agencies and non-government organizations.

  • Community Collaboration: Offering a forum for producers and consumers to connect and address issues affecting food production and availability.

  • Project Support: Assisting member- and organization-led initiatives that advance YAA’s mission and vision through letters of support and basic coordination.

  • Industry Consultation & Research: Identifying emerging issues of territorial significance, and supporting the development of position papers and study parameters through partnerships with government, consultants, and researchers.

How We Operate

YAA is governed by a Board of Directors, made up of Directors-at-Large and Executive members. The board is democratically elected and ensures the organization’s decisions reflect the needs of the agricultural community.

The organization is supported by a full-time Executive Director, who oversees YAA initiatives, with additional staff hired as needed to support office operations and capacity.

Who We Serve

YAA supports a broad agricultural community across Yukon, including:

Producers

Individuals or businesses that create or transform agricultural products, such as:

  • Farmers who grow crops or raise livestock

  • Value-added processors who transform raw products into finished or semi-finished goods

Consumers

Individuals or businesses who purchase and use agricultural products without transforming them for sale, such as:

  • People using products for personal consumption or for companion animals

  • Businesses using agricultural products as inputs, including retailers, restaurants, and caterers

Dual-Role Participants

Those who both produce and consume agricultural products, including:

  • Business operators who produce some products themselves while purchasing others

  • Owners of companion livestock or animals who grow some feed but also rely on external sources

How YAA Supports Producers and Consumers

Supporting Producers

  • Advocating for policies that strengthen Yukon’s agricultural economy

  • Providing education, training, and research opportunities

  • Offering programs that support the agricultural industry

  • Maintaining communication channels to keep producers informed

  • Lobbying for legislation and regulations that meet producer needs

Supporting Consumers

  • Promoting access and supply of Yukon-grown products

  • Providing public education on local food and food security

  • Hosting events that connect consumers with producers

  • Supporting policies that ensure access, and safety

  • Ensuring local agriculture remains socially and environmentally responsible

 Why This Matters

Understanding how individuals participate in agriculture allows YAA to:

  • Tailor advocacy to represent the full range of agricultural interests

  • Support programs and projects that support both production and access

  • Develop educational initiatives for producers and the public

  • Plan events that bring the agricultural community together

  • Build a resilient, sustainable agricultural sector that reflects Yukon’s realities and diversity

    Our Integrated Approach

    By serving producers, consumers, and dual-role participants, YAA ensures Yukon agriculture remains:

    • Sustainable

    • Economically viable

    • Supported by informed policy and legislation

    • Community-driven

    • Accessible and beneficial to all Yukoners

    Through this approach the YAA fosters a well-connected, and sustainable agricultural future for the territory.