The Saskatchewan Horticultural Association was formed in 1927 with the objective of promoting "the interest of horticulture generally and horticultural societies particularly". The following year the provincial government passed the Horticultural Societies Act, giving the Extension Department responsibility for the general supervision of member societies. The department aided the societies with organization and training related to horticultural exhibitions, garden competitions, field days and demonstrations, home and town beautification, rural work and lectures on horticultural topics. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, the Professor of Horticulture, and the Director of Agricultural Extension at the University were appointed ex officio directors whose duties included attendance at the Annual and Board meetings, providing assistance to the elected officials, and the promotion and improvement of Horticulture. The Saskatchewan Horticultural Association was instrumental in the creation and maintenance of the provincial fruit (1942) and horticultural shows (1962).