Reading Time: 4 minutes Quality counts, whether in developing markets or established ones. That was a key takeaway for two Prairie farmers who participated in New Crops Missions prior to Christmas. “I was surprised in Ghana that two of the millers were using 100 per cent Canadian wheat,” said Kevin Bender, outgoing Alberta Wheat chair and a Cereals Canada […] Read more
In the end, the conversation always turns to quality
Whether they make pasta or couscous, blend it or mill it straight, buyers associated Canada with quality wheat
Japan resumes Canadian wheat purchases
Quick response by government and industry credited for quick resumption in sales to major wheat buyer
Reading Time: 2 minutes Japan has resumed purchases of Canadian wheat after testing found no genetically modified wheat in imports following the discovery of a few GM wheat plants in Alberta last summer. The decision “proves that Canada’s science-based regulatory system works,” said the general manager of the Alberta Wheat Commission. “Not only does Canada’s grain-handling system employ some […] Read more
Trans-Pacific agreement draws praise from ag groups
Farm and agri-food groups say deal will open new markets but CFA issues warning on supply management
Reading Time: 2 minutes Here’s what farm and agri-food groups were saying after an agreement was struck on a new Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal (also called TPP-11 or CPTPP): Cereals Canada The TPP-11 agreement raises the bar with respect to modern and progressive trading rules in Asia-Pacific and beyond. Canada’s participation demonstrates much needed […] Read more
Richardson won’t renew canola, flax, soy funding
One of Canada’s biggest grain companies is stepping out of three Canadian oilseed industry organizations — and taking its funding when it goes. Winnipeg-based, privately-held Richardson International has announced it will not provide funding in 2018 for the Canola Council of Canada and the Flax Council of Canada, nor will it renew its funding commitment […] Read more
Being the best is no longer good enough
Global wheat buyers love our quality but cheaper alternatives have increased the need for building relationships
Reading Time: 4 minutes A recent trade mission to promote Canadian wheat went around the world in 14 days — or at least that’s how it felt to Greg Porozni. “We had a very successful mission,” the Mundare-area farmer said of his travels to Indonesia, Dubai, Nigeria, and Ghana last month. “These are growth markets, and that’s a really […] Read more
Strong, enduring relationships don’t happen by accident
The reaction of customers to hearing a farmer’s story shows the importance of having producers on crop missions
Reading Time: 3 minutes This January I went on a much-anticipated trip to Maui with my wife. Twenty years ago, we committed to spending the rest of our lives together and thought this was a good way to celebrate such a milestone (sans children, of course!). One month prior to this celebration, I was over the Indian Ocean heading to […] Read more
Proposed transportation legislation gets thumbs up from grain industry
It might feel like Christmas came early for grain grower organizations, who have long been calling for reform of grain transportation regulations. The Federal government has promised to introduce legislation in early 2017 that is going to check some items off their wish list. Transport Minister Marc Garneau unveiled the federal government’s plans in a […] Read more
What does your grain sell for at port?
When grain gridlock hit two years ago, the gap between the elevator and port price appears to have skyrocketed — and cost farmers billions
Reading Time: 4 minutes The jury’s still out on whether knowing the price of export grain relative to local cash prices will help producers get better prices. But the Alberta Wheat Commission intends to find out. “The port price would provide an indication of whether the system is constrained or functioning efficiently,” said Tom Steve, the commission’s general manager. […] Read more
Cereal crop producers urged to take care
Reading Time: < 1 minute A new campaign is urging cereal producers to be vigilant about grain safety. Cereals Canada launched the Keep it Clean — Cereals campaign because of growing scrutiny of grain, said Cam Dahl, the organization’s president. “Canadian farmers consistently deliver high-quality safe food to consumers around the world,” said Dahl. There are a few steps that […] Read more
Minogue: Call your grain buyer before applying Manipulator
Farmers planning to try Engage Agro’s new plant growth regulator, Manipulator, this year will first want to call their grain buyers. Many Prairie farmers recently received letters from Winnipeg grain firm Parrish and Heimbecker, for example, stating P+H will not buy wheat treated with Manipulator this season. “We completely understand why a lot of the […] Read more
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