Non-urgent government operations are closed December 24 to January 1, reopening January 2. View available services during this period.
See event listings and more articles in this edition of Agri-News: October 6, 2025 issue
“The Agricultural Society Innovation Award celebrates the significant contributions agricultural societies make in Alberta,” says Susan Lacombe, program coordinator with the Alberta government. “This award allows us to work together to champion and celebrate the significant contributions that agricultural societies make, while inspiring others to take action. To be eligible, the project must be new or a new phase of an existing project.”
In 2024, the Agricultural Society Innovation Award recognized 4 agricultural societies that positively impacted their communities. The Edgerton Agricultural Society, winner in the smaller primary category, hosted a mental health day featuring speaker Ian Hill, which set the stage for ongoing mental health initiatives and lasting, meaningful change in the community.
The Colchester and District Agricultural Society and Community League, winner in the larger primary category, created an edible forest that provides free, sustainable fruit like apples, plums and haskaps while promoting food security and community-building. Over 90 trees and shrubs were planted in 2022, creating a space for connection, learning and resilience during challenging times.
The Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition and Grande Prairie Regional Agricultural and Exhibition Society, winners in the regional category, partnered on an event that celebrated First Nations culture, fostering cultural understanding and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This initiative was designed to promote cultural awareness, support local tourism, and provide economic opportunities for Indigenous performers, artisans and vendors.
A selection panel will evaluate the 2025 applications based on a ranking system that includes creativity, community impact, challenge overcome and overall impression.
“Up to 3 agricultural societies will be recognized at the upcoming Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies annual convention in February 2026. Projects should be new to the agricultural society and demonstrate positive community engagement.”
Winners will receive a banner for display along with a formal certificate of recognition. Complete the form to apply for the 2025 award. The deadline to apply is November 1, 2025.
“Agricultural societies matter, and this is one small way for us to say thank you for the critical work they do in building a stronger Alberta,” says Lacombe.
For more information, see:
Alberta Agricultural Society Innovation Award
Contact
Connect with Susan Lacombe for more information:
Phone: 780-554-3780
Email: [email protected]
Sign up for Agri-News
Start every Monday with the week’s top agricultural stories and latest updates.
Read about all things agriculture at Alberta.ca/agri-news
Back to
Agri-News