Government introduces new grain bill in House of Commons

Bill to build on major changes done in 2012

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

In an effort to protect and improve grain quality, the federal government introduced the Modernization of Canada’s Grain Industry Act.

This new bill will allow the Canadian Grain Commission, the agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain standards, to install a fund that protects producers should a buyer fail to pay for delivery. A new license will also need to be issued for container loading facilities.

"Canadian grain farmers drive our economy and this is one of the many ways we are modernizing the sector to make it more competitive," said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This legislation will continue to modernize the organizations that support the Canadian grain sector and enhance Canada's excellent reputation around the world as a supplier of consistent, safe and high-quality grains."

The Grain Growers of Canada declined to comment on the new legislation.

These changes come only a few years after a number of changes were proposed to the Canada Grain Act, including eliminating the Grain Appeal Tribunal, and shifting “the responsibility for inspection and weighing of domestic laker shipments from the Canadian Grain Commission to the private sector.”

In 2013, Canada’s grain and oilseeds producers accounted for $23 billion in farm cash receipts.

Farmers are known for having many tools in their toolbox and right now they are looking to get one more if the push by the Modern Ag Alliance keeps moving. The organization funded by Bayer and dozens of commodity groups is working on legislation in several states and a federal bill involving glyphosate. The group looks at the benefits and science on the chemical and the litigation industry. We speak with executive director Elizabeth Burns-Thompson in this discussion.