At Alberta Canola, much of our daily work focuses on addressing the challenges farmers face and advocating on their behalf. This past year, we pressed forward on several critical fronts, always with one purpose in mind: protecting and strengthening Alberta’s canola industry for the long run. Alberta Canola works both independently on issues affecting canola, as well as in partnership with Team Alberta Crops to maximize farmers’ dollars by collaborating on issues affecting all farmers of Alberta. On the federal level, we work in collaboration with our national partners to address national and international issues.
Our advocacy is rooted in persistence, resilience, and action. We engage with governments and industry at every level – not to simply be heard– but to deliver real solutions for farmers. Below are highlights of the key priorities we advanced this year and the wins (large and small) we achieved together.
MARKET ACCESS AND TRADE
When trade with China was threatened, Alberta Canola recognized the devastating impact a prolonged dispute would have on farmers and industry. We raised the alarm early and have been a constant presence at the table, both provincially and federally, advocating for a resolution that restores certainty to our markets.
Our message has been clear and unwavering: it’s a political issue that needs a political solution. Farmers should not have to bear the loss for a situation they did not cause and had no control over. Working with national partners, our message to the federal government is to do what is necessary to resume trade with our largest seed market and be prepared to provide compensation for damages.
BIOFUELS
The trade impasse reinforced something Alberta Canola has long been advocating for: market diversification through a stronger domestic demand for biofuels. A robust biofuel industry provides a strong demand signal that stabilizes prices at the farm gate.
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