Solutions that work for producers & the trade a top priority
Ag Groups Looking for Producer Payment Security
Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, Alberta Pulse Growers, Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Canadian Special Crops Association (representing processors and exporters), Keystone Agricultural Producers, Manitoba Pulse Growers Association, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and Wild Rose Agricultural Producers representing Western Canadian farmers, processors, and exporters are working together to look at all options for producer payment protection in light of proposed changes to the Canada Grains Act that would remove mandatory bonding of grain buyers.
In 2007, the Federal Government introduced Bill C-39, which includes a proposal to eliminate mandatory bonding as a licensing requirement for grain buyers. Suitable alternatives for farmers and the business trade will be sought in order to mitigate the serious financial risks when delivering grains, oilseeds, pulses and special crops to elevators and other purchasers.
The Western Canadian Farm Organizations will be working with Scott Wolfe Management, a consulting company, to evaluate a range of options that may be available to the industry, including but not limited to:
· Security-based mechanisms;
· Insurance-based mechanisms;
· Fund-based mechanisms, and
· Clearinghouse models.
A funding application for this important initiative is currently underway. Once dollars have been secured, there will be avenues for producers and the grain trade to have input into the process.
For more information, please contact:
Don Connick - President
(306) 872-8208 (Cell)
E-mail: president@apas.ca