The annual Canola Leaders welcomes 20 young farmers (or farmers that are young in their leadership journey) from across Alberta each year in March. It is also open to a limited number of participants from the industry including those planning to return to the farm.

This Alberta Canola event is designed to enhance the leadership skills of the participants for the benefit of their farming operations and the rural communities where they live and farm.

Applications are now open, apply below to be part of the 2026 Canola Leaders program.

There is no fee to attend, and invited applicants will have their sessions, hotel stay, and meals covered over the two-day program.

The next event dates are March 17 & 18, 2026.

 

Canola Leaders offers an educational two-day intensive experience, full of interactive engagement between the participants and the facilitators.

The event features guest speakers and experienced leaders from across the canola family to share their experience and expertise.

Key Leadership Skills 

1.  Strategic thinking skills
2.  Board governance
3.  Policy development
4.  Government relations
5. Communications with media
6. How to tell your story as a farmer

Alberta Canola selects up to 20 participants each year. There is an effort, but not a requirement to have geographical representation and gender diversity among the group. Applicants must be residents of Alberta.

Applicants can be farmers, members of a farm family or business, or a future leader in the agriculture industry.

Applicants can be young, or young in their leadership journey.

 

Applicants will be contacted in January 2026 regarding their applications.

 

If you would like to apply for the program please apply below. 

 

 

For more information on the program, contact Alberta Canola at events@albertacanola.com