Alberta’s ag societies got their wish in last month’s provincial budget — stable funding from the province.
The government pledged to give the 283 primary and seven regional agricultural societies $11.5 million per year for the next three years.
“This longer-term commitment ensures that agricultural societies can plan ahead and budget for the facilities, events, and education they provide in their communities,” the government said in a news release.
The pledge was welcomed by the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies.
“These volunteer-driven organizations need stable funding to plan for the future,” said Tim Carson, the association’s CEO.
A year ago, the government put funding for the societies in its budget, but it was months before the money began to flow as the province conducted a wide-ranging review of its spending.
Agricultural societies operate about 700 community facilities and their 65,000 volunteers put on a host of events throughout the province.
A list of ag societies and upcoming events can be found at the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies website.
