Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz met with the reinvigorated Canadian Wheat Board as they begin working together in the best interests of western Canadian wheat and barley farmers and position the voluntary marketing entity for success in an open market.
“We had a great discussion today, and I’m pleased with the Board of Directors’ positive outlook,” said Minister Ritz. “Our Government will work with the Directors as they position the Canadian Wheat Board to be a viable, voluntary marketing option that can compete and earn farmers’ business in an open market.”
The Board of Directors for the CWB consists of five appointed members – Chair Bruce Johnson, David Carefoot, Glen Findlay, Ken Motiuk and President and CEO Ian White, all of whom have served on the CWB Board of Directors for a number of years. Glen Findlay and Ken Motiuk are also western Canadian farmers.
“I am encouraged by the reports of ongoing sales and the Board’s strong presence among its traditional domestic and international customers. The Board will continue to be an important option for farmers as they assess which marketing tools best meet the needs of their individual farm operations,” said Minister Ritz.
On December 15, 2011, the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act was passed by Parliament and given Royal Assent. Since that day, farmers have had the freedom to forward contract their wheat and barley for delivery beginning August 1, 2012. In addition to maintaining its marketing expertise, international brand and customer relationships, the Canadian Wheat Board now has the ability to market any crop grown in any region of Canada.
The Government of Canada is working with the Canadian Wheat Board, farmers, the grain value chain, and provincial partners to ensure an orderly transition to a dual-marketing system that encourages farm and industry entrepreneurs to seize new markets, increase sales, and drive the Canadian economy.
The Government of Canada’s top priority is the economy, in which the agriculture industry plays an important role in creating jobs and keeping the economy strong. Canada is the world’s fifth largest exporter of agriculture and food products with annual exports worth more than $35 billion.
Additional information can be found at www.agr.gc.ca/freedom.
