By Curtis Galbraith

Paszkowski named to Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame

Dec 9, 2020 | 3:46 PM

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB. — A well-known figure in farming in the Peace Country, and around Alberta, has been named to the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Walter Paszkowski farmed in the Sexsmith area for many years, served as Alberta’s agriculture minister for several more and was one of the early advocates for growing canola.

He says he is surprised and honoured by the recognition.

“Obviously, something that I had never even thought of, let alone expected. I was very honoured (because) agriculture was my undertaking of life, really, and to be appointed to such a position was certainly as big an honour as I could have received,” he said.

Paszkowski says it was always exciting for him to see things grow. He adds getting to meet and work with some of the people he has known will stand out as a highlight from his career.

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“Agriculture, of course, is the lifeblood of everyone, really because it is producing the food that people eat every day, so it’s probably one of the most important industries that we have.”

Paszkowski is also given credit for helping push canola as a viable cash crop. He says it came from being “virtually a nothing commodity” to years where it has had the best financial returns of any crop.

“I was very fortunate in having the opportunity of being part of the early organizations of the industry. As far as Canadian agriculture is concerned, it is one of the very, very key successes of the industry as well.”

Paszkowski says while canola prices are starting to recover, other crops are not as strong as they have been. He is hoping prices recover.

Paszkowski adds he still does his share of operating machinery at the family farm.