Marketing freedom finally a reality for Prairie farmers: Royal Assent of Bill C-18 gives farmers green light to market 2012 crop
Regina, December 16, 2011 - Today the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and its farm members across Western Canada welcomed the Senate's passing of Bill C-18. With Royal Assent now received on the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act, Western Canadian producers have the go-ahead to begin developing and implementing marketing strategies for their 2012 wheat and barley.
"Farmers will no longer be subject to the mandatory requirement of selling these products through the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) if they wish to sell through the open market," said Virginia Labbie, CFIB's senior policy analyst for Agri-business.
Preliminary results of a new November 2011 CFIB survey of Western Canadian farmers reveals strong producer support for Bill C-18. In fact, 64 per cent of farmers said the ability to market their wheat and barley outside of the CWB will have a very positive or somewhat positive impact on their farm business. Twenty-two per cent said it would not have any impact on their agri-business and only 14 per cent said it would have a somewhat negative or very negative impact.
One CFIB Prairie farm member said it best, "Market freedom from the CWB monopoly will do more to uplift the Western farm economy than 50 years worth of government support." CFIB farm members believe marketing choice will encourage growth in processing facilities and the value-added industry in Western Canada. Other benefits include greater control of the profitability of their farm business and access to clearer and more transparent marketing signals.
"Farmers are pleased the federal government has moved forward on bringing much needed marketing change," explained Labbie. "This is about the rights of all farmers to market their own grain freely, including through the Canadian Wheat Board."
"Many farmers will be celebrating today as marketing freedom is finally a reality and they will be marking August 1st on their 2012 calendars," concluded Labbie.
For more information or to arrange an interview with Virginia Labbie, please call 306 757-0000 or 1-800-992-2342.
CFIB is the business voice for agriculture, representing 7,200 independently owned and operated agri-businesses in Canada (2,500 in Western Canada), the majority of which are primary producers
