The Policy Advisory Group (PAG) was established under a 2006 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB), represented by the Chair and chief executive officer, and the ministers of Sustainable Resource Development and Agriculture and Rural Development. In 2022, a Mandate and Roles document (MRD) was developed by the NRCB, the Minister of Environment and Parks (now Environment and Protected Areas), and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development (now Agriculture and Irrigation). The MRD supersedes the 2006 MOU.PAG is co-chaired by the NRCB and Agriculture and Irrigation.

PAG members are designated by their sectors and are expected to represent the views of their sectors. They are governed by a terms of reference document, which includes a mandatory code of conduct. Members are not compensated.

The Policy Advisory Group provides advice on:

• the existing or proposed regulatory philosophy of the NRCB for the administration of AOPA
• potential improvements to processes and procedures used by the NRCB in the administration of AOPA, including policies and guidelines
• current issues of a general nature affecting the effective delivery of AOPA
• legislative and regulatory changes
• other matters identified by the co-chairs and Policy Advisory Group members

The Policy Advisory Group is accountable to the deputy ministers of both Environment and Protected Areas and Agriculture and Irrigation through its co-chairs.

Accountability Session Reports under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act 

Policy Advisory Group Terms of Reference and Mandate 

Memorandum of Understanding May 2006 

The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) identifies and develops technical guidelines necessary to support AOPA. It is co-chaired by the NRCB and Agriculture and Forestry. The Technical Advisory Group co-chairs report to NRCB and Agriculture and Forestry senior management.

Working committees report to the Technical Advisory Group Steering Committee (see steering committee membership below). Working group members with expertise in specific areas are appointed from Agriculture and Forestry and the NRCB depending on the topic of the guideline being worked on and the required expertise. Industry and technical experts are also consulted as required.

Technical Advisory Group Terms of Reference 

Technical Guidelines