Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) today announced its Executive Committee for 2017/2018, elected at its Nov. 28 Board of Directors meeting in Calgary. Jeff Nielsen has been re-elected to lead the organization as President, while Art Enns remains as GGC’s Vice President.
Mr. Nielsen, who was first elected President in 2016, represents the Western Barley Growers Association on the Board of Directors, while Mr. Enns represents the Prairie Oat Growers Association.
Each member organization appoints a farmer director to the Grain Growers’ Board, from which a five-person Executive Committee is elected. The Grain Growers of Canada’s Executive for 2017/2018 is:
- President – Jeff Nielsen (Western Barley Growers Association)
- Vice President – Art Enns (Prairie Oat Growers Association)
- Executive – David Bishop (Alberta Barley)
- Executive – Michael Delaney (Atlantic Grains Council)
- Executive – Doyle Wiebe (Canadian Canola Growers Association)
“This past year has been an active one for Canadian agriculture policy,” said Mr. Nielsen. “The Federal Government has set a target to grow Canada’s agri-food exports to at least $75 billion annually by 2025. Grain Growers of Canada will continue to work to ensure today’s growers have the tools they need to help the sector meet this ambitious goal.”
During the meetings, Directors discussed the critical issues facing growers. There was a clear consensus that grain farmers need:
- Improved access to export markets achieved through the successful conclusion of CPTPP and NAFTA negotiations and the initiation of talks with China;
- A competitive tax framework that recognizes the unique challenges grain growers face;
- Changes to Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to make them more bankable and predictable. Mark Brock, Chair of the AgGrowth Coalition met with the GGC Board to update them on the status of the BRM Program Review and how farmers are working together to secure meaningful changes to BRM programs;
- Transportation systems that get our products to port reliably and consistently. Grain farmers need to see Bill C-49, the Transportation Modernization Act passed as soon as possible; and
- A science-based regulatory system, administered by well-resourced regulatory agencies that support Canada’s innovative farmers as they produce the world’s most environmentally sustainable, safe and productive grains.
“GGC will be working hard to push governments for movement on our key priority areas,” said Mr. Enns. “Our farmers are already global leaders in trade, innovation and sustainability. We need a policy environment that allows us to meet our potential.”
Source : Grain Growers of Canada