Listening to Growers, Investing in the Future of Canola

Alberta Canola funds research that investigates the best ways to grow canola, finds solutions for pest management, and increases the demand for canola in Alberta. The research we support must be innovative and provide long-term value to canola farmers in Alberta.

For the past three years, Alberta Canola has been hosting Research Symposiums around the province, held in conjunction with the Alberta Canola Conference in January, to share information and seek feedback on the priorities most important to farmers.

Research Symposiums have been held in Red Deer, Grande Prairie, and Lethbridge, and they all featured an interactive activity where attendees ‘invested’ funds in areas that they thought to be the most important for research funding.

The results from the Research Symposium activities have helped evolve research priorities, supporting decisions on research investment. When Alberta Canola reviews research letters of intent and full proposals each year, we consider which projects will provide the most value to growers and which subject areas consistently rank high (or low) in our research priorities.

We have received questions about making research investments in genetic development, applied research, on-farm research, and demonstrations. Should we start funding research in new areas? Should we increase or limit funding to others? Before we make major adjustments, we want a clear mandate from our growers.

This year, we have made a strategic decision to move away from the Alberta Canola Conference and Research Symposium. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been moved to the CrossRoads Crop Conference in January, alongside the AGMs for Alberta Grains and Alberta Pulse Growers. This move aims to create efficiencies and cost-effective partnerships to deliver more accessible and streamlined use of our growers’ time.

The Research Symposium will no longer be held, but instead, a province-wide, in-depth survey on grower needs and research priorities is currently being conducted.

FARMER-DRIVEN RESEARCH PRIORITIES

Alberta Canola’s province-wide farmer survey will benchmark grower awareness and sentiment about Alberta Canola research. It will inform the development of future research priorities and activities within the research portfolio

Farmers possess valuable, hands-on knowledge about the issues they face in the field. Gathering input through a structured survey will enable Alberta Canola to reach more growers across the province and gain insight to help prioritize research projects that offer the most relevant and practical benefits, ultimately increasing the value
of research outcomes.

As you know, farming practices continue to evolve, and costs continue to increase. This is also seen in the research world. As projects continually show increased costs, it is more important than ever to strategically leverage funds and clearly outline targeted priorities for research investment.

Alberta Canola is committed to funding research projects that help farmers succeed. Help inform which challenges, opportunities, and innovations Alberta Canola should invest in next — great research starts with grower insights.

Your input is important. Be sure to participate in the Alberta Canola Research Survey this fall by visiting albertacanola.com/survey.