But it can now extend its reach

Starting Aug. 1 the new CWB will be able to buy and sell grain of any type from anywhere in Canada, but its immediate focus is its traditional territory — Western Canada.

“We have no immediate plans to do business in other parts of Canada,” CWB spokesperson Maureen Fitzhenry said in an interview June 29.

However, the CWB does want to add canola marketing to its operations this summer, she said. The CWB could eventually add pulse crops too. Fitzhenry acknowledged the CWB has a lot on its plate with downsizing staff and striking handling agreements with grain companies it will also be competing with.

Observers agree getting access to country and port terminal handling facilities is key to the new CWB’s survival. It has made arrangements with eight companies, including big players, Cargill and Viterra.

CWB president and CEO Ian White says more handling agreements are coming.