On October 7, 2011 in Regina, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, Gerry Ritz, announced the end of the Canadian Wheat Board’s (CWB) monopoly on the sale of wheat and barley. For the first time since World War II, Western farmers will be legally permitted to sell their wheat and barley to any buyer they choose. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in calling upon the federal government to allow farmers to sell their products openly, including by ending the CWB monopoly.

The issue
The Canadian Chamber has been calling upon the federal government to amend the Canadian Wheat Board Act to provide Western Canadian farmers and value-added processors the voluntary option to participate in the Canadian Wheat Board. This would provide all farmers the right to market their own production of wheat and barley to any buyer of their choosing.

What we got for you
The end of the CWB monopoly will increase entrepreneurial freedom and expand market opportunities for Western Canadian wheat and barley farmers by allowing them to sell their grains directly to buyers of their own choice. At the same time, the CWB’s facilities will remain in place for those farmers who find them beneficial and wish to continue using them.

How does this benefit me?
Wheat and barley are important components of Canada’s dynamic agri-food economy, generate significant export revenue and sustain local economies and communities across Western Canada. Ending the CWB monopoly provides new opportunities for farmers who do not wish to use the Board while allowing those farmers who do wish to use it to continue doing so. It is a win-win for farmers, processors and Canadians.