Ag societies have been vital to Alberta

By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

Since 1879, predating the province itself, agricultural societies have been vital to rural Alberta. To recognize the hard work of these volunteer-driven, non-profit organizations, our UCP Government is permanently designating Sept. 21 as Agricultural Societies Day in Alberta. 

Alberta is home to 291 ag societies, more than any other province in Canada. Ag societies are the backbone of our province’s rural communities, organizing events and operating facilities that are absolutely essential to our communities’ quality of life.

It’s nearly impossible to live in rural Alberta without benefitting from your local ag society. You likely have attended one of the more than 37,000 events and activities that they put on each year such as the Carseland Aggie Days, Stampede Breakfasts in Delacour, Bulls on the Beach in Chestermere, the Strathmore Stampede, or the upcoming Community Dinner in Indus. 

Or perhaps you have used one of the over 900 facilities that are owned or operated by our ag societies, whether that was for a high school graduation, a wedding, or a hockey game. 

There’s also a chance that you or your child received a portion of the over $300,000 in student bursaries and scholarships that our ag societies distribute annually.

These non-profit organizations provide valuable programs and services that improve our agriculture industry and support the needs of their communities. I am proud that our government continues to support the incredible work of our ag societies with annual operational funding through the Agricultural Societies Grant Program.

On behalf of Alberta’s government, thank you to our agricultural societies and the more than 52,000 volunteers who support them. I strongly encourage you all to connect with your local ag society and to get involved as a volunteer.

(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA Elect for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)