Alberta Bulletin

Alberta Canola hosts 35th AGM

Wednesday, January 22 — in person and online.

Join the Alberta Canola Producers Commission for the 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, January 22, during the Alberta Canola Conference in Red Deer.

Growers from across Alberta will have the option to attend in-person or join the AGM online and vote on motions and resolutions.

Resolutions to be presented at the AGM must be received at the Alberta Canola office no fewer than 10 business days prior (by January 8, 2025) to allow time to collect background and prepare resolutions for presentation at the meeting.

REGISTERING TO VOTE at the AGM

Growers in Alberta that have paid a service charge to Alberta Canola on canola sold since August 1, 2022, are eligible producers and can register to vote at Alberta Canola’s Annual General Meeting.

Eligible producers can:

• Be individuals or represent a corporation, partnership, or organization.
• Attend the AGM either in-person or online to vote on resolutions and
  procedural motions during the meeting.

We encourage growers to pre-register for the AGM by January 10 to verify eligibility and ensure they receive voter links in advance of the meeting.

Voter registration closes January 10. For more details and to register, please visit albertacanola.com/events.

Alberta Canola Director Nomination Results

The call for nominations for growers to serve on the Board of Directors of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission in Regions 3, 6, 9 and 12 closed on October 31, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. This election cycle resulted in three growers being acclaimed in Regions 3, 9 and 12. There were no nominations received for Region 6.

The three canola growers re-elected are Charles Simoneau from Guy for Region 3, Christine McKee from Stirling for Region 9, and Alan Hampton from Rowley for Region 12. Simoneau, McKee and Hampton will begin their second terms immediately following the Alberta Canola Annual General Meeting on January 22 in Red Deer.

There will be a call for nominations and an election for the Region 6 director at the Annual General Meeting.

Directors of Alberta Canola may serve up to three consecutive terms, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Each term is subject to the same nomination process.

A full list of the Board of Directors and Alberta Canola’s regions are on albertacanola.com/regions.

Alberta Canola: Farmer Funded, Farmer Focused

Crop commissions play an essential role in supporting Canadian farmers, particularly in Alberta, where over 12,000 canola producers rely on Alberta Canola’s advocacy and initiatives. As we approach the upcoming Alberta Canola Annual General Meeting in January, there are important discussions on the horizon, including a proposal for a modest increase in the refundable canola service charge from $1 per tonne to $1.75 per tonne. This request follows a thorough analysis of our financial needs, considering rising costs and the ongoing challenges faced by farmers.

Supporting Research and Innovation

Alberta Canola prioritizes research to enhance crop productivity and sustainability. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the commission invested over $640,000 in new research initiatives, helping farmers address immediate challenges and foster long-term innovation. This engagement ensures that the commission’s activities align with growers’ needs.

Strong Advocacy Efforts

Advocacy remains a cornerstone of Alberta Canola’s mission. Recent efforts have strengthened relationships with lawmakers, including initiatives like the Alberta Canola Advocacy Day and the MLA Family Farm Tour, which educate decision-makers about farming realities. Our organization has achieved critical policy advancements, such as advocating for a farmer endorsement for Class 1 truck licensing and promoting the preservation of prime agricultural land.

Engaging and Educating the Community

Public engagement is vital. Consumer disconnection from food production grows and Alberta Canola has made strides to increase awareness through initiatives like our booth at the Calgary Stampede and advocating for the inclusion of agriculture in the curriculum. Furthermore, the commission engages in public education to combat misinformation and raise awareness about agriculture’s role in society, and initiatives like the “Hello Canola” campaign help highlight the importance of canola and its economic impact.

Financial Sustainability for the Future

The proposed increase in the service charge is essential for maintaining Alberta Canola’s operations, especially since it has not raised this charge since 2003. Rising costs in the agricultural sector and declining public research funding have led to financial deficits. This modest increase will help rebalance the budget and restore financial reserves, allowing for sustainable long-term growth and enhanced initiatives that support canola farmers.

Feedback from growers about our finances has been overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the need for us to continue delivering on our mandate on their behalf. The Alberta Canola Board unanimously believes this increase is a fiscally responsible step toward ensuring the organization’s viability.

Alberta Canola fosters a resilient agricultural landscape by investing in research, advocating for farmers, and ensuring financial sustainability. We are committed to the success of canola producers in Alberta. Your support is crucial as we work to shape the future of farming in the province.

Have your say at the upcoming Annual General Meeting
on January 22, 2025, where the service charge proposal will come to a vote. Register to vote in-person or online at albertacanola.com/events.