Alberta Canola Advocacy Bulletin

October 30, 2025 | Blog

Back to: News & Updates

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.

This year, we celebrated Imperial Oil’s announcement and significant investment made at the Strathcona renewable diesel plant, which is now coming onstream. When it’s at full capacity with co-processing, it could utilize 3 MMT of canola seed as a feedstock. Alberta Canola continues to advocate for policies and incentives to ensure this industry not only takes root but thrives. Farmers will benefit from a market that is strong, reliable, and close to home.

ON-FARM WATER MANAGEMENT IN DRYLAND AREAS

Multiple years of moisture deficits have underscored the urgent need for better on-farm water management. In dryland regions, rigid rules around water storage and movement have left many farmers unable to take steps to protect their crops during increasingly variable weather conditions.
Alberta Canola has made this issue a priority. We are actively engaged with provincial officials to ensure that farmers’ voices shape water policy, especially as the government launches its province-wide water engagement. Our focus is clear: farmers need flexibility and practical solutions that allow them to manage water responsibly while safeguarding their ability to endure future droughts.

PLANT BREEDING INNOVATION

Farmers face rising challenges from unpredictable weather and heightened pest pressures. Staying ahead requires innovation, and that innovation depends on strong investment and government support.

This year, Alberta Canola pushed for new incentives that encourage plant breeding companies to accelerate their work. By ensuring Alberta farmers have access to the best tools and varieties, we are securing their ability to adapt and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing environment.

RIGHT TO REPAIR LEGISLATION

A major advocacy milestone was achieved this year with the federal government’s decision granting farmers the right to access diagnostic information and use certified third-party firms to repair their own equipment. This win proves the power of persistence and the importance of collective advocacy.

Alberta Canola is now focused on the next step: updating provincial legislation. Through Team Alberta Crops, we are working closely with the Farmers’ Advocate Office, which recently completed a province-wide survey on the impacts of current repair restrictions. By bringing farmer experiences directly to decision-makers, we are pushing for legislation that ensures manufacturers provide the tools
and information farmers need to keep their operations running.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

The future of agriculture depends not only on today’s farmers but also on tomorrow’s consumers and leaders. Alberta Canola is committed to bridging the gap for non-aggies to better understand where their food comes from and the realities of farm life.

This year, we deepened our collaboration and financial support for Ag for Life, the Alberta branch of Ag in the Classroom Canada. Their mission is to deliver impactful, educational programs and awareness, connecting students of all ages to agriculture. Other provincial governments provide stable funding for ag education, and we are advocating for Alberta to do the same to increase the reach to Alberta teachers and students.