CFA Supports CWB Plebiscite Results as Farmer-Directed Outcome
OTTAWA, Sept 12, 2011 – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture supports the results of the Canadian Wheat Board’s plebiscite announced today as a farmer-directed outcome and encourages the government move forward in the direction mandated by the results of the plebiscite.
“The government’s stated plan to dismantle the single-desk is a monumental change. The CFA believes the farmers’ voice in the single-desk issue should be formally represented and respected, as any change to the single-desk would directly impact the business plans and livelihoods of farmers across Western Canada. No changes should be made without a proper process that would poll the farmers` opinion in a transparent and democratic fashion. The CFA applauds the Canadian Wheat Board’s work in holding a plebiscite in the absence of a federal option to ensure farmers have a voice in the issue and urges government to respect the results,” said CFA President, Ron Bonnett.
The results of the CWB producer plebiscite were announced today by MNP LLP, the independent third-party hired to coordinate the plebiscite. The outcome is a clear message from farmers indicating a strong preference for single-desk marketing for wheat and support for barley. The results are as follows: For wheat, 62 percent (22,764 producers) of producers said they would like to maintain the single-desk, while 38 percent (14,059 producers) said they prefer an open market. For barley, 51 percent (6,283 producers) supported a single-desk and 49 percent (6,014 producers) opted for an open market. The participation rate for returned ballots was 56 per cent, comparable to federal elections and a higher turnout than several municipal and provincial elections.
The CFA is ready to move forward with the government and all key players in the direction determined by the plebiscite. The CFA is fully committed to working together with the government in the steps forward and encourages a true consultative partnership to define the needs and opportunities of the agricultural sector.
The CFA is Canada's largest national general farm organization and represents general farm organizations in each province as well as national commodity groups. Through its members, it represents some 200,000 farm families in every sector and region of Canada.
OTTAWA, Sept 12, 2011 – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture supports the results of the Canadian Wheat Board’s plebiscite announced today as a farmer-directed outcome and encourages the government move forward in the direction mandated by the results of the plebiscite.
“The government’s stated plan to dismantle the single-desk is a monumental change. The CFA believes the farmers’ voice in the single-desk issue should be formally represented and respected, as any change to the single-desk would directly impact the business plans and livelihoods of farmers across Western Canada. No changes should be made without a proper process that would poll the farmers` opinion in a transparent and democratic fashion. The CFA applauds the Canadian Wheat Board’s work in holding a plebiscite in the absence of a federal option to ensure farmers have a voice in the issue and urges government to respect the results,” said CFA President, Ron Bonnett.
The results of the CWB producer plebiscite were announced today by MNP LLP, the independent third-party hired to coordinate the plebiscite. The outcome is a clear message from farmers indicating a strong preference for single-desk marketing for wheat and support for barley. The results are as follows: For wheat, 62 percent (22,764 producers) of producers said they would like to maintain the single-desk, while 38 percent (14,059 producers) said they prefer an open market. For barley, 51 percent (6,283 producers) supported a single-desk and 49 percent (6,014 producers) opted for an open market. The participation rate for returned ballots was 56 per cent, comparable to federal elections and a higher turnout than several municipal and provincial elections.
The CFA is ready to move forward with the government and all key players in the direction determined by the plebiscite. The CFA is fully committed to working together with the government in the steps forward and encourages a true consultative partnership to define the needs and opportunities of the agricultural sector.
The CFA is Canada's largest national general farm organization and represents general farm organizations in each province as well as national commodity groups. Through its members, it represents some 200,000 farm families in every sector and region of Canada.
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