Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson issued the following statement on Agricultural Societies Day:
“Sept. 21 marks Agricultural Societies Day in Alberta, a chance for everyone across the province to recognize and appreciate the hard work ag societies do and the difference they make in our communities.
“Alberta is home to 292 agricultural societies, the most in Canada. Ag societies own or operate more than 900 different types of facilities and host more than 37,000 activities or events in our province every year. If you’ve been to a rodeo, farmers’ market or bonspiel, there’s a good chance you have an ag society to thank.
“Ag societies are the backbone of many rural communities and have been for decades. There are even some that are older than Alberta itself, like the Calgary Stampede, which started in 1884 as the Calgary and District Agricultural Society.
“We are proud to support them through the Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program, which provided $5 million in total grants for 71 projects over the last two years. Through this program, we have been able to help improve and repair commercial kitchens, dressing rooms, roofing and so much more. That’s on top of the Agricultural Societies Grant Program, which gives $11.5 million in stable operational funding every year.
“Today, take a minute to appreciate agricultural societies and the folks who dedicate so much time and energy to ensuring their communities are excellent places to live. On behalf of all Albertans, a big, sincere thank you to all of our agricultural societies and the impact you have on our province.”