Alberta Canola Producers Commission welcomes new executive director

Karla Bergstrom is the new executive of the Alberta Canola Producers Commission (Alberta Canola).

She assumed the role May 16 following Ward Toma’s retirement from the position of general manager.

Bergstrom has been with the organization for 10 years and previously served as manager of industry and government affairs. She has worked in agriculture her whole career, spanning both the public and private sector. She began her career as a co-op student at AAFC and has also worked for Cargill, DuPont and the Government of Alberta.

Roger Chevraux, chair of Alberta Canola, cited Bergstrom’s “significant policy development and government relations expertise” among her biggest strengths. “We are confident in her leadership skills and vision that will contribute to the continued success of Alberta Canola,“ said Chevraux in a statement.

In her new position, Bergstrom will build on key relationships with canola growers and the Alberta government to amplify farmers’ voices and advance the province’s crop sector.

“I am extremely proud to be the new executive director of Alberta Canola because it is the perfect combination of being able to lead such an incredibly talented team, manage the business of one of the greatest commissions in our province, and work for farmers who grow one of the most successful crops in Canada,” said Bergstrom.

Toma had been with Alberta Canola for 23 years and had served in a leadership role since March of 1999.