WINTER CEREALS INDUSTRY TO BENEFIT FROM NEW COMMISSION

Winter cereals producers can look forward to new products, technologies and markets from the recently established, producer-directed Saskatchewan Winter Cereals Development Commission.

"The Commission has been established at the request of the winter cereals industry in an effort to increase the profitability of producers through the development of improved agronomic practices, new varieties and new market opportunities," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said.

The Commission will be financed through a refundable check-off following the success of models established for flax, canola and alfalfa seed. The check-off is initially set at $0.50 per net tonne of winter wheat, fall rye and winter triticale sold at the first point of sale. A check-off is a mandatory deduction from the price received at the first point of sale. Producers may request a refund twice per year.

"I would like to thank the Government of Saskatchewan and producers for agreeing to establish the Commission," Winter Cereal Development Commission Interim Chair Rod Fedoruk said. "The board's first priority will be to consult with producers and industry to define research, marketing opportunities and extension priorities that will shape the future development of the winter cereals industry."

The Saskatchewan winter cereals industry consists of approximately 2,200 producers with an estimated acreage of 500,000 acres per year, with the majority of these acres being winter wheat. The check-off will be applied to all Saskatchewan-grown winter cereal crops, excluding winter cereals grown for seed or consumed on the producers own farm. The Commission is expected to generate estimated revenue of $131,000 per year for market development, research and extension.

The Commission will begin collecting the check-off on October 1st, 2006. Producers and buyers will receive additional check-off information from the Commission.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031

Rod Fedoruk Winter Cereals Development Commission Interim Chairperson Kamsack Phone: (306) 542-4235