By Colin Budd
A new era in Canadian agriculture was ushered in on Friday morning.
At a Balgonie area farm, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and supporters celebrated the royal assent of Bill C-18, Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act, eliminating the single desk for wheat, durum and barley marketing.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Ritz told supporters over cheers which at times drowned out speakers on the phone lines. “Finally you have marketing freedom.”
Beginning immediately, Western wheat and barley farmers are able to forward contract for the delivery of wheat and barley to the buyer of their choice – including the Canadian Wheat Board – for delivery after Aug. 1. The CWB will remain a voluntary marketing option for farmers, supported by the government as it transitions to a privately owned enterprise.
Former wheat board directors are still attempting legal action as a means to halt the implementation of Bill C-18, but Ritz remained steadfast that it wouldn’t be an issue and late Friday, a Manitoba court ruled in the Feds favour.
“I don’t worry about any legal cloud. Justice (Douglas Campbell) was very succinct in saying his declaration had no bearing or power over the passage of C-18. We absolutely agree with that,” he said.
“Today, you have control of the business where it matters most – at point of sale.”
The Canadian Wheat Growers were among the groups that praised the federal government and Ritz for making the law.
“This is a glorious moment for farmers who cherish their freedom,” said president Kevin Bender.
“For the first time in 68 years, prairie farmers are now free to forward sell their wheat and barley to a buyer of their choice.”
With the future of the CWB up in the air, president and CEO Ian White issued a statement saying it will be business as usual as they prepare for the upcoming crop year.
“The passage of Bill C-18 into law heralds significant change for the CWB and for Prairie farmers,” he said. “The CWB has been preparing for this change for many months, developing both pool and cash programs for farmers for the upcoming crop year. Details about new 2012-13 programs will be announced soon.”