If members vote to amalgamate five Manitoba commodity groups, they’ll go forward under a new name: Manitoba Crop Alliance.
“When we looked at the definition of the word alliance, which is an association formed for mutual benefit, we felt that summarized the intent of the amalgamation. We are stronger, together,” said Myron Krahn, Manitoba Corn Growers Association director in a Nov. 25 news release.
In the release, Krahn said legal counsel told them they needed a name in order to initiate the incorporation process. Members have yet to vote on if they’ll amalgamate the Manitoba Corn Growers, Manitoba Flax Growers, National Sunflower Association of Canada, Winter Cereals Canada and Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers.
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The associations are hosting webinars to educate their members ahead of the February vote. The next webinar is Dec. 12, but webinars are being recorded and will be available to view on mbcrops.ca.
Webinars review related legal documents, including the amalgamation agreement, bylaws and voting procedure, Pam de Rocquigny, general manager of MCGA told the Manitoba Co-operator.
They also review the amalgamation benefits, board and crop committee structure and budget and the consultation timeline to date and planned.
Merger talks began four years ago as the groups were already co-operating, including sharing an office in Carman. The groups said they could use funding and staff resources more efficiently as one association.
Concerns about merging, including director workload and smaller crops potentially getting short shrift, pushed the vote to 2020 instead of 2019.
Members will get the chance to vote February 12 and 13 at each organization’s AGM during the CropConnect Conference in Winnipeg.
To pass, at least two-thirds of members present at each AGM must vote in favour of the amalgamation, said de Rocquigny. The vote will only be binding if all five organizations vote in favour.
– With files from Allan Dawson
