GGC confirmed the addition on social media
A Saskatchewan ag organization is the newest member of a national farm group.
The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) is the 14th member of Grain Growers of Canada (GGC).
“We look forward to working with you in advocating on behalf of farmers to ensure federal policies support, not hinder, producers across the country,” Kyle Larkin, executive director of GGC, said on X on Jan. 8.
Farms.com has contacted SaskBarley for comment on the benefits of GGC membership and the decision to join GGC now.
Barley is an important crop for Canada.
Canada is the world’s fifth largest producer of barley and the third largest exporter of malt barley.
Canada exports about 36 per cent of its annual barley production.
Canada is home to more than 25,000 barley farms, the 2021 Census of Agriculture says. In total, those farms cover more than 8.3 million acres.
Saskatchewan is Canada’s second-largest barley producer. Only Alberta farmers produce more.
In 2023, for example, Saskatchewan barley farmers produced 3.2 million tonnes of the crop. Alberta farmers produced 4.7 million tonnes.
In 2022, barley generated $14.4 billion in revenue, $6.1 billion in wages and supported more than 100,000 full time jobs.
Canadian barley received support from the federal government in June 2024.
Minister MacAulay announced an investment of $9.6 million over five years for the new Canadian National Barley Cluster.
This initiative will focus on improving feed barley, barley genetics, agronomy, and disease resistance.
GGC’s other members include the Canadian Canola Growers Association, Alberta Grains, and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.
In total, GGC represents more than 65,000 grain farmers across the country.