Tuesday morning, the Government of Alberta announced funding for agricultural societies over the next three years.

The Province will spread $11.5 million per year to the 283 primary and seven regional ag societies in Alberta.

The Government says, this long term commitment ensures ag societies can plan ahead and budget for the facilities, events, and education they provide their communities.

"We are very pleased at the Government of Alberta’s continued commitment to agricultural societies and the communities they serve," says CEO of Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, Tim Carson. "These volunteer-driven organizations need stable funding to plan for the future, and continue to do the important work of promoting agriculture and enhancing the quality of life of Albertans."

Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Oneil Carlier, says ag societies are the Government's partners in delivering many community-centered initiatives, such as Alberta Open Farm Days, farm safety education, and much more.

"I'm pleased that we can continue to support the vital work that agricultural societies do in our province to encourage growth in the agriculture industry and rural Alberta, and educate the next generation of farmers and ranchers."

Last year, ag societies in Alberta didn't receive grant money until September, which they were expecting to receive in June.

They began to wonder if they would ever see funding for the 2017 year.

The Province says, ag societies operate about 700 community facilities throughout Alberta, and have more than 65,000 volunteers.

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