Western Canadian Wheat and Barley Farmers Finally Get Marketing Freedom

December 16, 2011

Claresholm, AB - Western Canadian wheat and barley farmers finally have the freedom to market their wheat or barley to the buyer of their choice following the Royal Assent of the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act.

"Western Canadian wheat and barley farmers have waited decades for this historic day,” said Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance) and Member of Parliament for Macleod.  “They are now free to make their own marketing choices, in fact some farmers signed contracts for their new crop today.”

As of today, Western wheat and barley farmers now have the freedom to forward contract for the delivery of wheat and barley to the Canadian Wheat Board or the buyer of their choice for delivery after August 1, 2012.

With the passing into law of the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act, the first steps are in place to remove the monopoly, unleashing the true economic potential of the prairie grain sector. The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) will be a voluntary marketing option for farmers, supported by the Government as it transitions to a privately owned entity. 

Working with the CWB, farmers, the grain value chain and provincial partners, the Government of Canada is implementing an orderly transition to market freedom which includes a viable, voluntary CWB, as part of an open and competitive Canadian grain.

For more information please visit: www.agr.gc.ca/freedom