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Man. wheat, barley association receives provincial designation

Oct. 23, 2013 - The Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association has received conditional approval from the province to act as the designate organization for spring wheat and barley farmers in Manitoba.

This allows the producer-led association to provide leadership in wheat and barley research and market development in a restructured and evolving cereals industry. It also paves the way for a check-off to be established in the future to fund the organization's efforts.

The petition for the designation was submitted to the Province in early June after consultations with Manitoba farmers last fall and winter.

"Manitoba farmers told us they recognize the value in being able to control where wheat and barley research dollars are being spent," said interim chair Don Dewar. "They were also very clear that any new association granted authority to collect check-off revenue for this purpose should not waste funds on administration."

As a result of this farmer direction, the interim board determined that it would be most appropriate for a single organization to be formed to represent both spring wheat and barley growers in the province to avoid duplicating administrative costs.

Alberta and Saskatchewan have already established wheat and barley commissions to collect research funds and advance the interests of their growers. Most recently, the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission began formal operations on August 1 of this year.


October 24, 2013  By Top Crop Manager


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