Introducing...I am a canola grower!

A message from JoAnne Buth, Canola Council President

When Will Shakespeare wrote “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” what he meant is that what matters is what something is, not what it is called. Titles describe what we are responsible for, but what is most important is the person and the work behind the title.

So what about your title – are you a farmer, grower, mechanic, agronomist, accountant, sprayer, marketer? You may have many jobs, but we want you to think of yourselves first and foremost as canola growers. With that in mind, the Canola Council has launched a new program called “I am a canola grower!”

This is a campaign to encourage discussion about what the crop is, why it is important to grow, what makes it the product of choice for the crusher, the exporter, the food company, the consumer and the environment. It is a chance to hear from growers about the benefits of growing canola and to celebrate successes throughout the value chain and on the farm.

The canola industry is on a path of expansion, and the Canola Council has outlined that path in the strategy “Canola … growing great 2015.” As demand grows for canola, we need to ensure that the industry can meet the demand. And it all starts with the grower. One of the top questions from food companies, food service companies and restaurants is, “If I make the switch to canola, can you ensure that I can get enough canola every year?”

We need growers who are committed to this crop to ensure that the industry continues to grow and that canola remains profitable to growers and the rest of the value chain. So tell us – why is growing canola important to you? For the profit, innovation, providing a healthy food product for the world, reducing environmental impact through fuel? We need growers to step forward and tell their stories.

The “I am a canola grower!” campaign kicked off with a 2008 calendar, featuring individuals and families who are proud to be canola growers. Read their personal statements by clicking the calendar images below.

2008 Calendar

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

I am a canola grower! contest

The Canola Council held a contest in early 2008 inviting canola growers across Canada to stand up and say “I am a canola grower!” Each of the finalists demonstrated a clear commitment to canola with their heartfelt and thoughtful entries. Click on the names below to see the top four.

Contest Winners

• Nelles and Mandy Madsen, Mayerthorpe, AB

Finalists

• Tom Kieper, Russell, MB
• Rod and Shelley Bradshaw, Innisfail, AB
• Donna Costley, Bateman, SK