CWB MEETINGS STRESS IMPORTANCE OF SINGLE DESK

Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman met with Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) officials in Tokyo today and said the meeting emphasizes the important role the board plays in marketing and branding Canadian wheat around the world.

“The Canadian Wheat Board sold more than $300 million worth of cereals to Japan in 2005, and has developed a growing market for Canadian barley here, as well,” Wartman said.  “The board also provides the consistent branding that ensures Canadian wheat is a very desirable, highly-regarded product here.”

The CWB has had an office in Tokyo since 1961, with the responsibility of marketing and promoting Canadian wheat and barley in Japan and South Korea.

Wartman also met with CWB officials in Beijing last week as part of his ongoing Asian trade mission.  The CWB has sold more than 115 million tons of wheat to China since 1960.  Based on results of the last two crop seasons, China has become the CWB’s largest market for wheat.

“The vast majority of wheat and barley sales are exported outside of the North American continent – about 95 per cent of all sales,” Wartman said.  “The CWB has been a very effective marketer in many offshore countries, including China and Japan.

“Saskatchewan farmers will have to consider this fact when they vote in the upcoming barley plebiscite.  Who will best represent your interests in getting the highest return from all the diverse markets around the world – the CWB or private marketers?

“Farmers also need to remind themselves that a CWB without primary and terminal elevators cannot be an effective marketer.  The task force appointed by the federal government to implement the federal version of choice implied this.  The studies commissioned by Alberta on the CWB come to the same conclusion.  Choice, as defined by the federal government, means the end of the CWB and reliance on private sector marketers only.”

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For more information, contact:

Donna Rehirchuk
Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: drehirchuk@agr.gov.sk.ca