Growing Agricultural Awareness

By Michelle Chunyua
Manager of Communications

“What are those yellow fields? Do you get canola oil from the flowers? How is canola oil made? What are the health benefits of canola oil?” These are just a few of the many questions asked at the Alberta Canola booth at the Calgary Stampede.

Alberta Canola’s presence at this event is a key part of our commitment to educating consumers about the vital role of canola in Alberta’s agriculture industry and economy. The Calgary Stampede, attracting a diverse audience, provides an excellent platform for Alberta Canola to engage with international visitors and the local public to raise awareness about canola and agriculture in our province.

Canola is a key crop in Alberta, contributing significantly to the province’s agricultural output. By being at the Stampede, Alberta Canola directly connects with consumers to dispel myths and share facts about canola oil’s health benefits, its sustainability, and its importance to local farmers. This face-to-face interaction helps build trust and transparency with consumers.

“Many of the guests that visit the booth are curious about canola oil and its origins. It’s rewarding to answer their questions and share how vital canola is to Alberta’s agriculture and economy. Events like the Calgary Stampede allow us to connect directly with consumers, dispel myths, and highlight the benefits of this amazing crop. It’s all about building trust and sharing the importance of this incredible crop to Alberta’s agriculture.” Cheryl Westman, Director at Alberta Canola.

Alberta Canola promotes our public engagement initiatives such as Hello Canola and Learn Canola in our interactive display where guests can engage directly with Alberta Canola’s farmer directors and staff. Hello Canola provides consumers with comprehensive information about canola oil, from its nutritional profile to cooking tips, while Learn Canola is an educational resource aimed at students and teachers and offers lesson plans, videos, and interactive activities that teach the next generation about this versatile crop. Showcasing these platforms not only educates the public, but also supports lifelong learning and informed choices regarding canola products.

The efforts at the Calgary Stampede reflect Alberta Canola’s mission to support the long-term success of canola growers in Alberta through consumer engagement and to build and maintain positive relationships between producers and consumers.