About Growing Alberta
Launched in 1995, Growing Alberta is a non-profit organization supported by the Government of Alberta and industry that strives to increase consumers’ awareness of the province’s agriculture and food industry. We bring together producers, manufacturers and retailers in the effort to educate all Albertans about the scope and significance of the agri-food industry.
Alberta’s agriculture and food industry is rapidly evolving, with science and technology playing an ever-increasing role in all aspects of food production. Growing Alberta offers consumers an objective, third-party perspective on the issues affecting the industry. By working with industry, we provide consumers with access to relevant, timely information which enables them to make choices that suit their lifestyles.
Growing awareness of agriculture and food from the ground up
Growing Alberta plays a crucial role in helping the industry demonstrate its commitment to food safety, environmental stewardship, animal care and economic growth. Our knowledge and connections in the industry allows us to delve deeper into emerging and existing issues, separating fact from fiction and addressing misconceptions.
Growing Alberta uses a number of communication tools to share information and build a dialogue with Albertans, helping to develop a better understanding of our agri-food industry:
- Food for Thought magazine – published four times each year, this high quality consumer magazine features agriculture’s role in health and wellness, the environment and food safety, as well as recipes and tips highlighting agri-business and made-in-Alberta products. Reader comments are received daily and continuously highlight that the attractive layout and recipes entice consumers to read each issue and in doing so readers learn about the benefits and diversity of agriculture and food in Alberta through interesting and factual articles that highlight Alberta products and services.
- Food for Thought Online – an e-newsletter distributed via e-mail approximately 8 times a year to thousands of Albertans. It builds on many of the issues and trends featured in Food for Thought magazine.
- Growing Together – an e-newsletter directed toward industry groups and partners distributed via e-mail approximately 8 times a year
- www.growingalberta.com – the website in an online resource featuring a wealth of information on all aspects of agriculture and food, along with areas geared towards the media, parents, teachers and cooking enthusiasts.
- Growing Alberta Leadership Awards (GALAs) - Nominate an industry leader and champion for a GALA and show Albertans the people that set our industry apart from the rest.
- Harvest Gala – an annual celebration of the achievements and accomplishments of Alberta’s agriculture and food industry.
- Outreach and education programs in conjunction with our partners that help disseminate information about the industry to the public and encourage Albertans to think about career opportunities in agriculture and food.
Now more than ever, Albertans want to know about their food – about the people who grow it, the companies that process it and how food quality and safety are maintained. They want to know about the industry’s economic impact and its footprint on the environment. For the agriculture and food industry, this opportunity is priceless. By connecting with Albertans, by communicating openly and credibly, the industry can enhance and sustain the trust and understanding of new generations of consumers.
For more information see our Annual Reports, which outline our initiatives, our programs and our strategic direction, along with the financial and operating highlights of Growing Alberta, or contact us for details.
