A Message from the Chair

Forty years ago, a group of canola farmers came together to build a not-for-profit organization that would support farmers in growing and marketing canola through the provision of cash advances. At the time, canola was in its infancy and was an ineligible commodity under the Advance Payments Program (APP). Today, Canadian Canola Growers Association continues its work as a leading APP administrator, providing working capital financing to over 10,000 Western Canadian farmers on a wide range of commodities – from crops to livestock to honey.

Like its namesake crop, CCGA has grown and adapted over time. The organization’s involvement in agriculture policy development sets it apart as a centre of excellence focused on tackling policy issues that matter to canola farmers. Turning that insight into farmer-focused advocacy in Ottawa and international forums has positioned CCGA as a trusted voice for agriculture. 

Its leadership on files such as trade, transportation, and business risk management helps pave the way for farmers’ success. As policy areas like the environment, health, and natural resources increasingly intersect with agriculture, the role of advocacy continues to evolve. Meeting these challenges takes patience, persistence, and a deep commitment to connecting the farm to Canadians’ livelihoods and prosperity.

As Chair of CCGA, I take great pride in the work we do. The team truly has farmers’ interests at the core of everything they do. As a farmer-founded, farmer-led organization, I’m confident in CCGA’s role in my farm’s success – and in the success of Canada’s nearly 40,000 canola farmers.
 

- Roger Chevraux

Chair and farmer from Killam, Alberta

A Message from the President & CEO

This year, Canadian Canola Growers Association proudly celebrates 40 years of service to canola farmers in Canada. Since our founding in 1984, CCGA has been driven by a clear and unwavering vision of helping farmers succeed. That vision continues to guide every decision we make and every initiative we pursue. 

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable team at CCGA. I’m deeply proud of the staff whose knowledge, dedication, and professionalism are building a more resilient future for Canadian farmers. 

Whether administering the APP, advocating for policy change, or engaging with government and industry partners, everyone at CCGA shares a deep commitment to serving farmers with excellence. Our team is the engine behind everything we do, ensuring our work is thoughtful, timely, and impactful. 

In 2024-25, we continued to build on our legacy, leading efforts to enhance financial services to farmers and advancing policy issues like trade, transportation, and innovation – always with a focus on practical outcomes to position canola farmers for long-term success. 

As we reflect on four decades of impact, we also look forward with enthusiasm. The road ahead will present new opportunities and we’ll have to adapt, but our goal to be a trusted partner in helping farmers succeed today and tomorrow remains. 

To our staff, directors, industry partners, and most importantly, the farmers who inspire our work every day – thank you.

- Rick White

President & CEO

Government Relations

The past year in Ottawa was anything but predictable. Parliament was prorogued, a new Prime Minister was elected, and a fresh Cabinet was sworn in with many new faces. 

Through these shifts, CCGA maintained a strong presence in Ottawa, ensuring canola farmers’ priorities, like predictable trade, enabling on-farm innovation, and reliable rail and port infrasturctue, were front and centre. 

With boots on the ground in Ottawa, CCGA brought farmer-driven, practical solutions directly to decision-makers. 

Advocacy in Numbers:

• 164 Meetings
• 28 Government Submissions
• 5 Committee Appearances

CCGA was also recognized as a top lobbying organization in early 2025 by The Hill Times, underscoring the impact of this work. 

Read the full 2024-25 Year in Review to see how CCGA’s consistent advocacy ensures canola farmers have a voice at the table.

Public Trust

Year two of the National Canola Marketing Program’s (NCMP) award-winning consumer brand campaign, Hello Canola, is coming to a close and preparations are underway for year three! 

Created by Alberta Canola, SaskOilseeds, and Manitoba Canola Growers, Hello Canola aims to connect Canadians to canola and shift their apathy into love for the Canadian-made crop. The campaign showcases the crop’s role in the kitchen, in cosmetics, as a feedstock for sustainable biofuels, and much more.

CCGA is a longstanding member of the Canadian Center for Food Integrity (CCFI), an organization dedicated to advancing public trust in Canada’s food system. 

By focusing on research-driven insights, CCFI creates opportunities for meaningful collaboration, fosters shared values, and provides tools to help the sector meet the evolving expectations of Canadians.