Alberta Bulletin
Alberta’s Canola Growers Vote to Increase Service Charge
Creating a stronger future for Alberta’s canola farmers
At Alberta Canola’s recent Annual General Meeting, growers voted to increase the service charge from $1 per tonne to $1.75 per tonne. This decision reflects Albertan canola growers’ commitment to the long-term sustainability of their industry and belief in the value of Alberta Canola’s efforts. With Marketing Council approval, the increase will come into effect on August 1, 2025.
“Thank you to growers for choosing to invest in Alberta Canola,” says Andre Harpe, Alberta Canola board chair.
“This increase allows us to continue to serve growers effectively while rebuilding reserves to prepare for future challenges. This funding is critical to maintaining the work we do for growers across the province.”
Financial Stability and Long-Term Viability
“This is more than an operational adjustment– it’s an investment in the long-term resilience of Alberta’s canola industry. The vote in favour of the increase shows that growers recognize the importance of safeguarding our ability to deliver meaningful results for the industry, even in difficult times.”
— Andre Harpe, Alberta Canola
board chair
Alberta canola growers’ decision to support the service charge increase ensures that Alberta Canola can meet the challenges of today while building the resilience needed for tomorrow. First and foremost, the service charge increase addresses Alberta Canola’s critical need for financial stability.
It has been 22 years since Alberta Canola’s last service charge increase, and costs for research, regulatory compliance, market development and operations have risen dramatically, while public funding for agricultural programs and research have declined. Meanwhile, Alberta’s canola production has dropped nearly 25 per cent since its 2017 peak due to a combination of factors.
Faced with these challenges, Alberta Canola has worked tirelessly to maximize the impact of every dollar. Tightening budgets meant difficult decisions, including foregoing valuable research and advocacy opportunities. Despite cost-cutting efforts, Alberta Canola operated in deficit five of the last six years: an unsustainable trajectory that risked compromising Alberta Canola’s ability to support growers across the province.
The service charge increase positions Alberta Canola to rebuild its reserves, ensuring the organization is prepared to tackle future challenges and unforeseen circumstances.
“This is more than an operational adjustment—it’s an investment in the long-term resilience of Alberta’s canola industry,” Harpe said. “The vote in favour of the increase shows that growers recognize the importance of safeguarding our ability to deliver meaningful results for the industry, even in difficult times.”
Core Pillars Remain the Focus
In addition to regaining a strong financial footing, Alberta Canola will use the increased service charge to invest in opportunities that will keep Alberta a leader in sustainable, innovative canola production. While the board has not yet finalized specific strategies for the dollars, Alberta Canola intends to remain focused on its four core pillars:
1. Expanding Grower-Funded Research:
Alberta Canola will prioritize research to address pressing challenges such as diseases, climate resilience and improved on-farm practices. In 2024, every dollar Alberta Canola invested in research generated over $7 in matched funding.
2. Strengthening Advocacy
Alberta Canola will amplify growers’ voices, advocating for policies that reflect Alberta’s farming realities, especially relating to sustainability, land use and market access.
3. Enhancing Member Engagement:
Alberta Canola will continue to invest in strengthening connections
with growers through outreach efforts (regional meetings, training sessions, tailored resources, etc.), ensuring growers have resources and information
that support success.
4. Building Consumer Awareness:
Alberta Canola will prioritize educating consumers locally and globally about the value, health benefits and versatility of Alberta’s canola.
A Collective Step Forward
The service charge increase marks a pivotal moment, providing Alberta Canola with the tools needed to uphold its mission of supporting growers and fostering a thriving, innovative and sustainable canola industry in Alberta.
“This increase is not just about maintaining operations; it’s about creating a stronger future for Alberta’s canola farmers,” Harpe says. “It’s an investment in all of us—in our farms, our families and our industry.”
Alberta Canola Celebrates 35 Years
At its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 22 in Red Deer, Alberta Canola proudly marked a significant milestone, celebrating 35 years of progress, innovation and success in supporting Alberta’s canola farmers.
“Alberta Canola looks forward to another 35 years of leadership in the canola industry, continually adapting to new opportunities and challenges alongside its farmers,” said outgoing chair Roger Chevraux.
Board Updates
Following the AGM, the board elected Andre Harpe of Valhalla Centre as chair, with Charles Simoneau of Guy being re-elected as vice chair. Andre thanked Roger Chevraux for his leadership and contributions during his tenure as chair. “Roger has been a steadfast leader of Alberta Canola, and his dedication has been crucial in guiding the organization through many important moments in our history,” Harpe said.
“On behalf of the board and all of our farmers, I thank Roger for his service and I’m excited to continue building on the strong foundation he helped establish.”
The organization also gave recognition to Wayne Schneider for his six years of dedicated service to canola growers in Region 6 and across Alberta. Outgoing chair Roger Chevraux remarked, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Wayne for his unwavering commitment. His insights and contributions have been invaluable, and he will be greatly missed.”
No nominations came forth at the AGM for a grower to replace Schneider in Region 6; therefore, the Alberta Canola Board will appoint an eligible producer to represent growers in that region.
For more information about the board of directors, Alberta Canola’s guiding committees, and details about the regions, please visit albertacanola.com.
Tax Credit For The 2024 Tax Year Available To Canola Farmers In Alberta
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit enables canola growers to claim a credit for the portion of the check-off they paid that was utilized to support qualifying research. Canola growers in Alberta, who do not request a refund of their check-off from the Alberta Canola Producers Commission, are eligible for a tax credit during the 2024 tax year.
For the 2024 tax year, the tax credit rate for canola growers in Alberta is set at 14.56 per cent. For example, an individual grower who paid $1,000.00 in check-off to Alberta Canola in 2024 would be eligible for a tax credit of $145.60.
The tax credit can…
- offset federal taxes owing in the current year,
- be received as a tax refund,
- be carried forward up to 10 years to offset federal taxes owing, or
- be carried back three years to reduce federal taxes paid in those years.
Individual growers must file a T2038 (IND). Farm corporations must file form T2SCH31.
Access historical SR&ED percentages for Alberta Canola, along with additional information from the Canada Revenue Agency, at albertacanola.com/SRED.