8-13 FB Wheat Web Site

 Canadian and U.S. grain sectors prepare for new marketing environment. Producers and industry launch new website highlighting key changes.  I got a press release saying the following: Wheat, durum, and barley producers in Canada and the United States are asking important questions about cross-border trade following the removal of the mandatory marketing requirement for western Canadian farmers on August 1.  I had no idea what that meant so I called somebody who would know, namely, the executive director of the Idaho Wheat Commission, Blaine Jacobson.   “In the past, Canada has had the Canadian wheat Board which is what we call a single task marketing organization and would market the wheat on behalf of all the farmers in Canada. With that being dissolved, now farmers can seek out their own best market.

A new website, launched by a working group of Canadian and U.S. non-profit and trade organizations, hopes to provide some answers to individual farmers. The website, http://canada-usgrainandseedtrade.info, provides a detailed frequently asked questions (FAQs) section and industry news.  Visitors can also submit comments and additional questions through the website.