Manitoba commodity groups may merge

Summary report released outlining possibility of a new and farmer-driven organization

By Kate Ayers

Staff Reporter

Farms.com

Five of Manitoba’s commodity groups have released a summary report detailing a possible path towards a new, amalgamated farmer-driven organization.

Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers, Manitoba Flax Growers, the National Sunflower Association of Canada, Manitoba Corn Growers, and Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers began these discussions in May. The report, released yesterday, marks the beginning of a consultation period with farmers and organization members, according to a release from Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers yesterday.

An amalgamated group could enhance farmer connections with commodity groups, improve research efforts, reduce overlap and provide more value to Manitoba farmers.

“Commodity groups need to be farmer-driven. They need to be run by their grassroots,” Myron Krahn, president of Manitoba Corn Growers Association, said in the release.

“This report shows how amalgamating would not only maintain our connection with farmers across Manitoba, but also how it would improve it. … Together, we can be better.”

Throughout the last nine months, board and staff representatives have been in discussion.

And farmers provided initial feedback in the past few months, influencing the potential board structure, core functions of the new organization, and timeline of the potential amalgamation, according to the release. More information can be found in the summary report.

Farmers are invited to attend one of the upcoming meetings to learn more about the potential amalgamation and to provide input into the structure of the organization:

The involved commodity groups will also discuss the report at their annual general meeting during the CropConnect conference on Feb. 14 and 15, 2018.

Farmers are also encouraged to also provide feedback by contacting Rob Hannam of Synthesis Agri-Food Network, at rob@mbcrops.ca. 

Photo Credit: filipfoto