The five Manitoba commodity groups working towards a merger have no preconceived ideas on what a new association will look like, says Pam de Rocquigny, general manager of the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Association and Manitoba Corn Growers Association.

Commodity groups exploring merger

For now Manitoba’s canola, winter cereal and oat producer associations have opted to remain on their own

Five Manitoba commodity groups have signed a deal to spend the next year working towards a merger. The Manitoba Corn Growers Association (MCGA), Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers Association (MPSG), Manitoba Flax Growers Association (MFGA), National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) and the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Association (MWBGA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU)

Editorial: Pre-competitive advantage

The idea of collaboration — and even mergers — among farm commodity groups has begun to find traction lately. The latest round came at the annual CropConnect conference, which brings together a number of the smaller commodity organizations at a single event where they conduct their annual general meetings. That event demonstrates the merits of


KAP Endorses “Plan B” If CGC Security Goes – for Aug. 5, 2010

If the Canadian Grain Commission’s (CGC) security program against grain payment defaults is ever removed, KAP has a “Plan B.” Delegates at tending the Keystone Agricultural Producers’ general council meeting here July 22 passed a resolution to support a mandatory farmer-financed fund, kick-started by Ottawa, that will operate similar to the current program. However, several

NDP Proposes Tough Restrictions For New GE Crops

Aprivate member’s bill before the House of Commons this month would require regulators to consider the potential market impact of any new genetically engineered crop before approving it. Alex Atamanenko should get the backing of his fellow NDPers as well as Bloq MPs, who are against GE crops. The Liberals tend to be divided on

On-Farm Food Safety Is Crucial, MPs Say

They quarrelled on many issues, but the MPs on the Commons food safety subcommittee agreed an effective food safety system has to begin on the farm. The committee reported to Parliament in mid-June with the Conservative MPs offering 22 recommendations and the opposition parties 14 proposals. The only idea that was immediately rejected by Agriculture


Research, Trade Top Priorities For Farmers

“There just simply isn’t the return in cereals and pulses under our system to spur private research at the levels necessary.” – DOUG ROBERTSON, ALBERTA GRAIN FARMER AND GGC PRESIDENT More basic agriculture research and improved trade deals will go a long way toward helping Canadian farmers be competitive internationally, farm groups say. Grain Growers