The newly formed Saskatchewan Oilseeds Development Commission (SaskOilseeds) is looking for nominations for four open spots on the Board of Directors.

SaskOilseeds is the byproduct of an amalgamation between SaskCanola and SaskFlax that took effect on August 1. The organization is “supported by 17,000 levy-paying Saskatchewan canola growers and 3,000 levy-paying Saskatchewan flax growers.”

Outgoing SaskCanola Chair Keith Fournier says the Board consists of eight members each serving a four year term, adding four of them are halfway through their current term. Duties of a Director include “five board meetings per year, plus participation on committees and appointments to external industry-related boards.” Fournier says it’s a chance to set the direction for research, policy, advocacy, and market development related to canola and flax.

He says its a rewarding position to be in and used himself as an example in a news release. “Eight years tenure adds up to countless conversations that both challenged and inspired me. It has been incredibly rewarding to help guide investments in canola research, influence government policy, inform consumers and expand our markets. Time well spent, memories and an enhanced network to last a lifetime. I urge my fellow farmers to consider putting their names forward for election.”

Nomination forms are available on the SaskCanola website, and a board nominee must be a registered producer – that is defined as “a producer who has sold canola and/or flax in either of the previous two crop years and who has not requested a levy refund in the past year.”

Fournier says if there are more nominations than open positions, an election will be held in November.

The new board members will start their first four year term in January 2025.