Red Deer (Rural Roots Canada) – Alberta canola growers have voted to increase the canola service charge from $1.00 to $1.75 per tonne, marking the first increase since 2003. The decision was made during the organization’s 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 22 in Red Deer. Pending approval from the Marketing Council, the new rate will take effect on August 1, 2025.

Outgoing Alberta Canola Board Chair Roger Chevraux emphasized the necessity of the increase, citing years of budget deficits and declining reserve funds.

“We realized as a board that we needed to do something,” said Chevraux. “Certainly, costs have elevated a lot in the 21 years that we’ve been operating since the last levy increase. So we started reaching out to our farmers through meetings, explaining what we do, and asking their opinions on whether or not they felt the services we offered were worthwhile. It was a very transparent process to ensure farmers understood what we were doing.”

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The service charge funds key initiatives, including research, grower extension, consumer engagement, and advocacy. With canola production stabilizing around 5.25 million tonnes annually, Alberta Canola says the increase will help maintain essential services, rebuild financial reserves, and continue partnerships with industry groups, especially in light of government funding reductions.

“This investment ensures we can continue to innovate, advocate for our growers, and meet the challenges ahead,” added Chevraux.

Growers will begin paying the new service charge starting with the 2025 harvest season, strengthening Alberta Canola’s ability to support producers in an evolving agricultural landscape.