“The Agricultural Society Innovation Award celebrates the significant contributions agricultural societies make in Alberta,” says Susan Lacombe, program coordinator with the Alberta government. “This award allows us to work together to champion and celebrate the significant contributions that agricultural societies make, while inspiring others to take action. To be eligible, the project must be new or a new phase of an existing project.”
In 2024, the Agricultural Society Innovation Award recognized 4 agricultural societies that positively impacted their communities. The Edgerton Agricultural Society, winner in the smaller primary category, hosted a mental health day featuring speaker Ian Hill, which set the stage for ongoing mental health initiatives and lasting, meaningful change in the community.
The Colchester and District Agricultural Society and Community League, winner in the larger primary category, created an edible forest that provides free, sustainable fruit like apples, plums and haskaps while promoting food security and community-building. Over 90 trees and shrubs were planted in 2022, creating a space for connection, learning and resilience during challenging times.
The Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition and Grande Prairie Regional Agricultural and Exhibition Society, winners in the regional category, partnered on an event that celebrated First Nations culture, fostering cultural understanding and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This initiative was designed to promote cultural awareness, support local tourism, and provide economic opportunities for Indigenous performers, artisans and vendors.
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