Alberta Canola Calling for Growers’ Support on Crucial January Vote
Alberta Canola has served the province’s canola farmers since the commission’s formation in 1989, growing and adapting to meet farmers’ evolving needs through research, advocacy, public engagement and extension.
Now, for the first time in over two decades, Alberta Canola is asking growers to approve an increase in the organization’s service charge from $1/tonne to $1.75/tonne. This decision, which growers will vote on at Alberta Canola’s Annual General Meeting this January, is essential to securing Alberta Canola’s financial future and sustaining its ability to support Alberta’s canola producers amid intensifying industry challenges.
Responding to Today’s Pressures
“Alberta Canola was built by farmers, for farmers, and that hasn’t changed in our 35 years,” says Karla Bergstrom, Executive Director of Alberta Canola. “What has changed is the world we operate within. Public research funding has drastically declined, regulatory pressures have grown, and consumers, many of whom are now generations removed from farming, are seeking increasing transparency in food production. These shifts mean Alberta Canola’s role has expanded significantly to address these challenges and advocate for growers’ needs.”
Over 90% of Alberta Canola’s operating revenue comes from its service charge, which has been set at $1 per tonne. Since the last service charge adjustment in 2003, operating costs have risen sharply, while Alberta’s canola production has seen a nearly 25% decline from its 2017 peak of 7 million tonnes. This production decline has led to revenue challenges, with Alberta Canola operating at a deficit in six of the last seven years. As Alberta Canola Board Chair Roger Chevraux, a canola grower from near Killam, Alberta, points out, Alberta Canola now faces a crucial choice: either secure additional funding to maintain services or make deep cuts.
“Alberta Canola operates on one of the smallest budgets among the three major crop commissions in Alberta,” says Chevraux. “To balance our budget would require a cut of 20% of our total budget. That could mean eliminating entire program areas, even though they are highly valued by growers. That’s why we’re bringing this decision to growers—this increase is essential to keep Alberta Canola operational.”
Over the past few years, the commission consistently connected with growers to share updates on its initiatives, celebrate wins, and gather insights to shape future direction. The financial challenges were openly discussed at the Grower Engagement Meetings (GEMs) in 2023, during the 2024 AGM, and through various articles in newsletters and on the website. Feedback received to date regarding the idea of a service charge increase has been overwhelmingly positive.
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