Canada’s New Government believes western grain farmers should have the choice on how they market their grain while preserving a strong, viable, yet voluntary Wheat Board for those who wish to use it.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
- If you’re taking all the risks and making all the investments, we feel that you shouldn’t be punished for pursuing opportunities outside the CWB that make good business sense to you.
- It is about your freedom to choose what you want to do with the products you grow. Being on the same level of other Canadian farmers who sell apples, canola, cattle or other farm products.
WHO’S ELIGIBLE?
Each “active farming entity” that has produced grain during the past year and has produced barley in at least one of the last five years, you are eligible to vote. Each farming entity, whether a single producer, partnership, or corporation will be eligible for one vote.
WHAT’S THE QUESTION?
if you are satisfied with the status quo and are happy with the returns the CWB give.
2. “I would like the option to market my barley to the CWB or any other domestic or foreign buyer.”
If you would like the choice based on what is best for your operation to have the option to sell either to the CWB or seize opportunities outside the Wheat Board. This ensures that the CWB will be there for you when you need it or if you would like to continue with the Board but do not want to hinder someone else that has a good opportunity.
3. “The Canadian Wheat Board should not have a role in the marketing of barley.”
This is assuming you want the CWB to “close shop on marketing barley” and have an open market. The CWB will not be an option.
WHAT’S THE BEST CHOICE?
By selecting the second option, this is your chance to seize on new marketing opportunities that benefit you but still have the option to do business with the Board. This plebiscite is about barley only. But it will not be possible unless you vote. Participate and mail in your ballot today. However, the final decision is up to you!
WHAT DO OTHERS THINK?
“We don’t collectively decide on when or what we are going to seed, we don’t collectively decide when or how we are going to control the weeds in our fields and we don’t collectively decide when it is time to harvest our crops. I have never understood why people think that we have to collectively decide how to sell our wheat. There is no one better suited to make any of those decisions than the farmer who has to live with the consequences of those decisions.”
Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel, President of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers (National Post, March 21st, 2006)
“It seems logical, therefore, that a voluntary CWB would benefit both producers and the Western Canadian grains based value added industry. Producers would realize lower costs and higher returns, while the value-added industry would realize greater investment that in turn would create a significant number of new jobs. Not only does it seem logical on economic grounds, but also on political grounds since there is growing evidence that a majority of prairie producers want a voluntary Board.”
Source: “Benefits and Costs of a Voluntary Wheat Board for the Province of Alberta”. By Dr. Larry Martin and Holly Mayer of the George Morris Centre (Independent Agriculture Think-Tank)
“Our members look at the system and say, ‘Why can’t we have what Ontario farmers have?’ says Gaylene Simpson, Agri-Business Policy Analyst for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “Why is it illegal for us to sell our product to whomever we want when it isn’t for the rest of Canada?”
“Canadian Wheat Board in the fight of its life: End of monopoly?” Kevin Libin. National Post, December 11th, 2006)
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
What’s important to me is ensuring that your voice – the voice of farmers – is heard. It is therefore extremely important that you participate in this plebiscite and vote. If you are an eligible farmer (see above) and do not have your ballot by February 14th, contact the election co-ordinator, KPMG at 1-888-3BARLEY (1-888-322-7539) and arrangements will be made to send you a declaration form and ballot.
For more information, please contact:
Leon Benoit, MP
1-800-463-1194/ (780) 763-6130
