Olds College has named the United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative Ltd. (UFA) as its 2019 Partner of the Year.
Recipients of the award “reflect the mission of Olds College and support the values, mandate and vision in a manner that has a positive, measurable and lasting impact on the college,” officials said in a press release announcing the award on April 2.
Olds College president Stuart Cullum said UFA is a valued partner in promoting agriculture.
“I would like to thank UFA for their continued commitment towards investing in the future of agricultural innovation and technology, investing in our students and investing in Olds College,” said Cullum.
“UFA’s ongoing financial commitment is a reflection of a mutually beneficial partnership between two long- standing agricultural organizations.”
UFA is a 120,000-member-owner agricultural co-operative that operates a large network of bulk fuel and cardlock petroleum locations.
UFA recently made a $500,000 donation to the college in support of agriculture innovation and technology, he said.
That five-year financial commitment has enabled the creation of the UFA Innovation Lab, which can be found inside the college’s Smart Ag Innovation Centre, as well as providing support to the college’s Smart Farm, he said.
UFA has also partnered with the college to host UFA Innovation Day at the school.
Carol Kitchen, president and CEO of UFA Co-operative Ltd., said UFA “believes strongly in the vision Olds College has for the future of its students and in the future of our agricultural industry in Western Canada.
“Our co-operative sees the partnership as a unique opportunity to invest in those students who can potentially build what our future looks like for agriculture and technology, all while encouraging diversity in thought and creating a culture of innovation.”
The Partnership of the Year award will be presented at the college’s Homestead Feast annual fundraiser on April 12.
