The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association is jubilant over the passage of federal legislation that will finally restore grain marketing freedom to prairie farmers.
“This is a glorious moment for farmers who cherish their freedom,” says Kevin Bender, President of the Wheat Growers. “For the first time in 68 years, prairie farmers are now free to forward sell their wheat and barley to a buyer of their choice.”
Last night, the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act received Royal Assent and therefore passed into law. It means prairie farmers and the trade can now enter into contracts to buy and sell wheat and barley, providing delivery of the grain takes place on or after August 1, 2012. Farmers will gain full marketing freedom on that date.
Kevin Bender will be joining federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz on a farm at Balgonie, SK this morning to commemorate this historic occasion. Also on hand will be Cherilyn Nagel, Past President of the Wheat Growers, who will be one of three farmers who will mark the occasion by signing forward contracts with grain buyers.
“There have been so many farmers and families who have sacrificed so much over the years in pursuit of marketing freedom,” says Nagel. “It truly is a great honour to stand on their shoulders today and proudly proclaim our freedom.”
The Wheat Growers also wish to pay tribute to the federal Conservative government, and especially Minister Ritz, for their unrelenting pursuit of marketing freedom for Western Canadian farmers.
“The Wheat Growers thank the Prime Minister, Minister Ritz and their colleagues for the determination to create a free and open market in wheat and barley,” says Bender. “This is a tremendous achievement that will increase opportunities for prairie farmers and usher in a new era of prosperity throughout the western Canadian agriculture industry. Congratulations and thank you!”
