Western Barley Growers Association support Canadian Chamber of Commerce Call for Voluntary Marketing for CWB Grains

(September 24, 2003 - WBGA)    "The Western Barley Growers Association (WBGA) support the Canadian Chamber of Commerce who have adopted a new position, saying all Canadian farmers should be able to choose how they sell their grain" states Jeff Nielsen, Vice President of the WBGA.

Recently the Canadian Chamber of Commerce recommended a "trial run" of an open grain market. Since the 1940’s Canadian grain farmers have had the control of how they marketed there own grains restricted by the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB). "We are unable to sell our wheat and barley outside of Canada without going though the CWB. This has stopped any potential financial gain that western Canadian producers could have received. It has also stalled or canceled many projects in the areas of domestic malt production, pasta production, as these industries face dealing with the CWB and not the farmer directly that would result in cost savings and higher potential returns to the producer." continued Nielsen.

"I believe the Canadian Chamber of Commerce recognizes this. Their members in cities and towns across western Canada have seen proposed grain related industries not built, or ones that are in business fail or suffer, due to the archaic polices of the CWB causing loss of jobs, investment opportunities, and tax revenue for these towns and cities" said Nielsen.

WBGA applauded the passage of the Alberta Wheat and Barley Test Marketing Act (Bill 207) in working towards market freedom for farmers on. Bill 207 is calling for a ten-year trial period to allow Alberta farmers the choice to sell their grain as they please. Oats, canola, pulse crops and other crops have been free of CWB control allowing produces to sell where and when, wheat and barley for export, milling, and malt production are controlled by the CWB.

"Many producers across the west are changing their crops. Wheat, once the king of crops, has fallen in acres and production as producers see the opportunities of selling other crops themselves without the restrictions of the CWB".

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce should be commended for their stance and the WBGA wholly support their position!