The Western Canadian Wheat Growers are pleased to see the re-appointment of the Hon. Gerry Ritz as the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board.
“Minister Ritz is up to speed on all the files and can hit the ground running,” says Kevin Bender, President of the Wheat Growers. “He has a good depth of knowledge on the issues and a strong determination to improve our industry.”
While there are many issues facing agriculture, the key to improving farm incomes and prosperity in western Canada will be to move forward quickly on legislation to create an open market for wheat and barley.
“The transition to marketing choice should happen as quickly and smoothly as possible,” says Bender. “We are confident Minister Ritz has the ability and determination to successfully see this through.”
The Wheat Growers will also be looking to the federal government to take action on other important files, including railway service reforms, modernizing the Canada Grain Act and the successful conclusion of trade agreements, including a trade pact with the European Union.
“There is a good deal of optimism and great growth potential in the western Canadian agriculture sector” says Bender. “We urge Minister Ritz and his colleagues to give us the ability to capitalize on these growth opportunities as soon as possible.”
