This release was issued under a previous government.
Alberta’s Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Verlyn Olson issued the following statement in response to the implementation of an open market system in Western Canada for wheat and barley.
“This government has long supported the idea that choice is essential for producers so they can make decisions that are in the best interest of their farming operations. Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia farmers produce more than 80 per cent of wheat and 90 per cent of barley in Western Canada and they deserve the freedom to sell their products to whomever they want, whenever they want and for the price they want.
The federal government has delivered on a promise to provide wheat and barley producers with more choice. We are looking to the future of farming and I believe that providing producers with marketing options is game-changing for this farming generation, and the next. Today is a historic day as producers now control their economic future.”
Editor’s note: Minister Olson; Naresh Bhardwaj, MLA Edmonton-Ellerslie and Chair of the Capital Region Caucus; and Ron Casey, MLA Banff-Cochrane and Chair of the Rural Caucus, are representing Alberta at federal government celebrations in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, recognizing producer marketing choice.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Cathy Housdorff
Press Secretary
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
780-719-4104
[email protected]