Thank You to Our 2026 Canola Leaders Participants
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On March 17 & 18, 2026, Alberta Canola welcomed 23 farmers and industry members to participate in our 8th annual Canola Leaders program in Edmonton.
This event empowers attendees to focus on building skills in strategic thinking, governance, policy, communications, and government relations, while connecting with experienced leaders across the canola industry. The program is designed to strengthen participants’ ability to lead within their farm operations, industry organizations, and the rural communities in which they live.
Canola Leaders offers an educational two-day intensive experience, full of interactive engagement between the participants and the facilitators.
The event features guest speakers and experienced leaders from across the canola family to share their experience and expertise.
Key Leadership Skills
- Strategic thinking skills
- Board governance
- Policy development
- Government relations
- Communications with media
- How to tell your story as a farmer
Here is some feedback we received from this year’s attendees:
“[I enjoyed] the different topics covered and the variety of people in attendance. I also really enjoyed the quality of attendees and presenters, I felt I learned something from everyone.”
“I’m in the early stages of succession on our farm and need to take every opportunity to improve my leadership and management skills.”
“There is no other program around that offers all-encompassing type of training and skill building that is required to participate on a board or committee. Would strongly recommend [this event] to anyone interested in this type of position.”
“[I enjoyed] the personal interaction in our groups, and the individual growth that I experienced. I learnt so much about the proper workings of a board and about advocating for policy.”
The annual Alberta Canola Leaders welcomes up to 24 young farmers (or farmers that are young in their leadership journey) from across Alberta each year. It is also open to a limited number of participants from industry including those planning to return to the farm.
This event is designed to enhance the leadership skills of the participants for the benefit of their farming operations and the rural communities where they live and farm.
The 2027 event dates will be announced in August.
Interested farmers can apply to participate in our 2027 Leaders event at albertacanola.com/leaders