Service charge increase, Peace farmers assume roles of board chair and vice-chair at Alberta Canola AGM

Jan 23, 2025 | 6:09 PM

Alberta Canola says that growers attending the organization’s annual general meeting in Red Deer Wednesday approved an increase in the service charge.

It will go to &1.75 a tonne as of August 1 this year, pending Marketing Council approval. It had been $1 per tonne.

A release says the increase comes after what Alberta Canola calls “several years of deficits and reduced reserve funds.”

“Raising the service charge is essential to safeguard the long-term sustainability of Alberta’s canola industry. This investment ensures we can continue to innovate, advocate for our growers, and meet the challenges ahead,” says outgoing board chair Roger Chevraux in a release.

This would be the first increase since 2003.

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Alberta Canola says the higher service charge will help pay for services, research and partnerships with other groups, an area that was left short of money after federal government cuts.

Peace farmers assume leadership roles

Peace Country farmers have been elected the chair and vice-chair for the board of Alberta Canola.

Valhalla Centre’s Andre Harpe was elected chair and Charles Simoneau of Guy vice-chair after that annual general meeting.

Harpe’s term as chair of the Grain Growers of Canada expired in late 2024. He was replaced in that post by Alberta Grains chair Tara Sawyer, who farms near Acme, Alberta.

by Curtis Galbraith