This award celebrates the significant contributions agricultural societies make in Alberta.
2021 award
‘Based on the success of the 2020 pilot project, the Agricultural Society Innovation Award is now a standing program of Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development,’ says Susan Lacombe, program coordinator. ‘This award allows us to work together to champion and celebrate the significant contributions that agricultural societies make, while inspiring others to take action.’
During the pandemic in 2020, many agricultural societies found new ways to serve their communities, while following public health guidelines. Societies stepped up with creative and innovative ways to support and connect their communities by running online fundraisers, creating virtual programs and fairs, offering contactless catering, meal pickup and delivery, and organizing outdoor drive-in concerts, events and movies.
Three of those societies were recognized for the innovation and resilience shown during the pandemic with inaugural Agricultural Society Innovation Awards – Bezanson Agricultural Society, Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society and Grande Prairie Regional Agricultural & Exhibition Society.
‘Up to 3 agricultural societies will be recognized at the upcoming Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies annual convention in February 2022. Innovations should be something that is new to the agricultural society, and demonstrate how the society continued to positively impact community engagement, recovery and reopening during the last year.’
The winners will each receive a banner suitable for display in their area or community hall to mark this achievement, along with a formal certificate of recognition. Applications for the 2021 award are now available. The deadline to apply is November 30, 2021.
‘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.
Source : alberta