Released on April 2, 1996
Agriculture and Food Minister Eric Upshall told the Western GrainMarketing Panel hearing in Regina today that it is vital that any
future grain marketing system is structured around producer needs to
ensure that they can compete effectively in a global marketplace.
The Western Grain Marketing Panel was established by the federal
government to review the western grain marketing system. In January,
the panel held a series of town hall meetings at 15 locations in
Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan. It has held formal hearings in
Winnipeg, Edmonton and Regina.
"Saskatchewan has a major interest in the future make-up of Canada's
grain marketing system, and our submission recognizes that change and
revitalization of our institutions and infrastructure are essential to
ensure they effectively serve producers in the future," Upshall said.
"However, change must be managed rationally and according to producers'
wishes."
Saskatchewan's submission included the following highlights:
The significant advantages of marketing by single-desk selling
and price pooling through the Canadian Wheat Board;
The dual marketing alternative being put forward by some is a
false option which will eliminate the benefits of the Canadian
Wheat Board and lead to its demise;
The importance of transportation and handling to our grain
marketing system, and the need for effective freight rate
regulation to maintain a least-cost structure; and
Trade concerns including possible U.S. retaliatory actions if
programs are changed resulting in unrestricted flow of grain into
the U.S.
Upshall said it is the panel's job to find the best deal for the
farmers of Western Canada. "For our farmers to remain competitive we
must have the most efficient, least-cost grain production, marketing,
transportation and handling capability that it is possible to build."
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For more information, contact:
Hal Cushon
Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5961