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Hay bales on field with Agricultural Societies Innovation Award written at top of image

Important dates

Next deadline for applications is November 2022. Watch this space for details.

Overview

In 2020, the Alberta Agricultural Societies Program created this award to recognize agricultural societies for their innovation, contributions and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. This award allows us to work together to champion and celebrate the significant contributions that agricultural societies make, while inspiring others to take action.

Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development (AFRED) presents up to 3 Innovation Awards annually as part of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies annual convention. Award recipients will be presented with:

  • a banner suitable for display in your arena or hall as applicable Formal recognition
  • a certificate by the Minister of AFRED or designate

Award categories

Up to 3 awards will be presented to:

  • a regional agricultural society
  • a smaller primary agricultural society (community size under 1,000)
  • a larger primary agricultural society (community size over 1,000)

Eligibility

  • this award is open to primary and regional agricultural societies in Alberta
  • the innovation is new to your Ag society, and shows how you continue to positively impact community engagement, and recovery and reopening of the province
  • the innovation should have occurred between January 1, 2022 and November 30, 2022

How to apply

Step 1. Complete the form

The application form for the 2023 awards program will be posted here when it’s available.

Step 2. Send in your application

Electronic submissions are preferred. Scan your application form and email it to: [email protected].

Or, mail in your paper application to:

Alberta Agricultural Society Innovation Award
Provincial Building
#106, 4709 44 Avenue
Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 1N4
Phone: 780-968-6557

Evaluation

A selection panel made up of individuals representing agricultural societies will evaluate the applications based on a ranking system that includes creativity, community impact, challenge overcome and overall impression.

Recipients

  • 2021 recipients

    Winners

    Calmar & District Agricultural Society – In 2021, the Calmar & District Agricultural Society and local curling club were gifted a piece of land to farm. Using donated materials, machinery, seed, fertilizer, crop insurance and a host of volunteers, profits from the harvest were distributed to the curling club and other Leduc County charities and organizations, resulting in a tremendous impact in the local community.

    Rocky Mountain House Agricultural Society – the Society has been involved in the in-person Grade 4 Education Agricultural Tour for years. Due to COVID-19, a new approach was required, which resulted in the development of a series of agriculture education videos. These videos featured local farms and producers covering a wide range of topics from farm safety, equine safety and dairy, beef and sheep production, to information on 4-H steers. These videos have also been available to the public, and can be incorporated into future in-person educational programming.

  • 2020 recipients

    Winners

    • Society with community under 1,000: Bezanson Agricultural Society
    • Society with community over 1,000: Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society
    • Regional Ag Society: Grande Prairie Regional Agricultural & Exhibition Society

    Honourable mentions

    • Ardrossan Recreation & Agricultural Society
    • Eaglesham & District Agricultural Society
    • Stettler Agricultural Society
    • Crossfield/Madden Agricultural Society
    • High River Agricultural Society
    • Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association

Contact

Connect with the Innovation Award team:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-968-6557
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

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Alberta Agricultural Societies Program

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