The on "behalf of producers" got my attention.
Quote
PREMIER APPOINTS DELEGATION TO
ADDRESS GRAIN TRANSPORTATION
Released on February 12, 2014
Delegation of Cabinet Ministers and MLA to Meet
With Grain Companies This Week
Premier Brad Wall has appointed Agriculture
Minister Lyle Stewart, Economy Minister Bill
Boyd, Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don
McMorris and Legislative Secretary to the
Agriculture Minister MLA Scott Moe to work on
behalf of Saskatchewan producers to deal with
the backlog of grain movement.
“This grain movement backlog is a very serious
situation for the entire province and it is a high
priority for our government,” Wall said. “The
delays in moving grain have led to lower prices
for our producers at the farmgate and are
harming our reputation as a reliable supplier of
agriculture products throughout the world. We
want every possible avenue explored to ensure
our producers have the ability to market and
deliver their grain in a timely manner.”
The delegation will meet with representatives of
the major grain companies this week to discuss
the challenges they are facing in moving grain
and potential solutions. In addition, they will also
raise the issue of producer contracts, lower grain
prices (as a result of the historically wide basis
levels) and encourage all of the grain companies
to pursue level of service contracts with the
railways through the Federal Fair Rail Freight
Service Act.
The province will continue to pressure the federal
government to ensure improved grain movement
remains their top priority. The provincial
government is encouraged by recent federal
enhancements to the Grain Monitoring Program,
which will improve the frequency of reporting
information about the grain handling and
transportation system. If the situation does not
improve, the provincial government will
recommend potential legislative action to ensure
all stakeholders throughout the supply chain are
held accountable and encouraged to facilitate the
increased movement of grain.
Meetings will also continue with the rail
companies to discuss ongoing capacity issues
and challenges. The delegation will urge the
railways to implement short term measures to
clear up the current backlog of grain, including
adding crews, cars and locomotive capacity as
necessary. In addition, railways will also be
encouraged to implement long term plans for the
future as it is anticipated large crops will become
the new norm. This includes taking measures to
ensure surge capacity and improved planning for
weather challenges.
Working with producers and industry associations
will continue to be a top priority to ensure the
concerns of producers are at the forefront of all
discussions.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Karen Hill
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2127
Cell: 306-529-9207
Contact Us
Karen Hill
Media Relations Officer
Phone (306) 787-2127
Email Karen.Hill@gov.sk.ca
UnQuote
Quote
PREMIER APPOINTS DELEGATION TO
ADDRESS GRAIN TRANSPORTATION
Released on February 12, 2014
Delegation of Cabinet Ministers and MLA to Meet
With Grain Companies This Week
Premier Brad Wall has appointed Agriculture
Minister Lyle Stewart, Economy Minister Bill
Boyd, Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don
McMorris and Legislative Secretary to the
Agriculture Minister MLA Scott Moe to work on
behalf of Saskatchewan producers to deal with
the backlog of grain movement.
“This grain movement backlog is a very serious
situation for the entire province and it is a high
priority for our government,” Wall said. “The
delays in moving grain have led to lower prices
for our producers at the farmgate and are
harming our reputation as a reliable supplier of
agriculture products throughout the world. We
want every possible avenue explored to ensure
our producers have the ability to market and
deliver their grain in a timely manner.”
The delegation will meet with representatives of
the major grain companies this week to discuss
the challenges they are facing in moving grain
and potential solutions. In addition, they will also
raise the issue of producer contracts, lower grain
prices (as a result of the historically wide basis
levels) and encourage all of the grain companies
to pursue level of service contracts with the
railways through the Federal Fair Rail Freight
Service Act.
The province will continue to pressure the federal
government to ensure improved grain movement
remains their top priority. The provincial
government is encouraged by recent federal
enhancements to the Grain Monitoring Program,
which will improve the frequency of reporting
information about the grain handling and
transportation system. If the situation does not
improve, the provincial government will
recommend potential legislative action to ensure
all stakeholders throughout the supply chain are
held accountable and encouraged to facilitate the
increased movement of grain.
Meetings will also continue with the rail
companies to discuss ongoing capacity issues
and challenges. The delegation will urge the
railways to implement short term measures to
clear up the current backlog of grain, including
adding crews, cars and locomotive capacity as
necessary. In addition, railways will also be
encouraged to implement long term plans for the
future as it is anticipated large crops will become
the new norm. This includes taking measures to
ensure surge capacity and improved planning for
weather challenges.
Working with producers and industry associations
will continue to be a top priority to ensure the
concerns of producers are at the forefront of all
discussions.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Karen Hill
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2127
Cell: 306-529-9207
Contact Us
Karen Hill
Media Relations Officer
Phone (306) 787-2127
Email Karen.Hill@gov.sk.ca
UnQuote