Functional Responsibility:
The Alberta Agricultural Research Institute co-ordinates, conducts, promotes and supports agriculture and food research conducted in government, university and private sector organizations. The Alberta Agricultural Research Institute functions to provide research funding programs, research equipment and facilities that expand or complement research done within the Government of Alberta. The Institute also has the power to charge for goods, services or materials provided by the Institute, as well, solicit and receive donations. The Institute can enter into patent agreements, royalty agreements or commercial marketing agreements. The Alberta Agricultural Research Institute is incorporated under it's enabling legislation, the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute Act (S.A. Chapter A-13.7, 1987).

Predecessor and Successor Bodies:
Alberta Agricultural Research Trust began in 1966 and was established by incorporation in the enabling legislation, The Alberta Agricultural Research Trust Act (S.A. Chapter 4, 1970). The Alberta Agricultural Research Trust provided funding for agricultural research. In 1987 the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute Act repealed the Alberta Agricultural Research Trust Act and transferred all property and liabilities from Alberta Agricultural Research Trust to the newly formed organization. The Alberta Agricultural Research Institute legislation did not continue the appointment of the Trustees or the function of administering a trust.

Administrative Relationships:
In the 1987 legislation, Minister means the member of the Executive Council charged by the Lieutenant Governor in Council with the administration of this Act. The Minister of Agriculture was charged with the administration of Alberta Agricultural Research Institute Act. The Alberta Agricultural Research Institute Board reported to the Minister of Agriculture and the Alberta Science and Research Authority under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Alberta Innovation and Science. The Institute on the request of the Minister of Agriculture would advise the Minister on questions of scientific and technological methods affecting agriculture, and supervises matters related to agriculture as assigned by the Minister. In 1999, the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute was moved to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Innovation and Science.

Administrative Structure:
The Board of the Institute, as required by the enabling legislation, consist of the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Alberta, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and persons appointed by the Minister in charge in accordance to section five of the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute Act. The Minister designates one member of the Board as chairman of the Board. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is vice-chairman. The Board conducts the business and affairs of the Institute. Daily operations of Alberta Agricultural Research Institute are carried out jointly by the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute staff and the Research Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The Research Division also prepares background information, policy and decision documents as required by the Board.

The Alberta Agricultural Research Institute consists of several advisory committees and a number of research committees. A member of the Board of directors heads each committee. The final decisions on funding proposals made by the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute Board of Directors, are based on recommendations from it's committees.

Names of the Corporate bodies:
The Alberta Agricultural Research Institute is also known by its acronym, ARRI.

Names of Chief Officers:
The Chairmen of the Board of Directors for the Alberta Agricultural Research Institute:
Bob Boyle (1988-1992)
Bob Elliot (1992-1993)
Ed Stelmach (1993-1996)
Barry McFarland (1997-[2000?])