The Alberta Barley Commission (ABC) recently launched a new website to help western Canadian grain farmers and buyers better understand the new collection system for the wheat and barley checkoff. The website, www.wheatbarleycheckoff.com, provides information about the checkoff, the remittance process, reporting procedures and answers frequently asked questions.
In accordance with the federal “Regulations Respecting Research, Market Development and Technical Assistance (Wheat and Barley),” the ABC has been collecting the checkoff since August 1, 2012. The new website is intended to be another tool to assist farmers and grain buyers in understanding the program.
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“We know that farmers and buyers don’t have time to go hunting for information — especially at harvest time,” says ABC Chairman Matt Sawyer. “The website will make it as easy as possible for all stakeholders to get the information they need to understand the checkoff.”
The ABC is collecting the voluntary checkoff on behalf of three recipient groups: the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF); the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi); and the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC). The checkoff funds will enable these three organizations to continue to deliver new varieties, market development and technical support to the industry.
Western Canadian farmers and grain buyers are encouraged to utilize the website www.wheatbarleycheckoff.com or phone the ABC’s toll-free number at 1-800-265-9111.
