The federal Conservative government gave royal assent on Dec. 15 to one of its most headline-grabbing bills in recent memory: The Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act, Bill C-18.
Less than two months ago, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced the official dissolution of the Canadian Wheat Board’s (CWB) monopoly on Acme farmer Matt Sawyer’s land, Oct. 17.
The act will go into effect Aug. 1, 2012, and farmers will decide where, when and how to sell their grains.
“I believe it’s their right to sell in alternative markets,” said Evan Berger, Livingstone-Macleod MLA, at the time. “I don’t think that it’s a whole lot to be afraid of. There’s more to be gained than lost.”
Sawyer saw the change and royal assent as the final step in a hallmark shift for the future of Canadian farming.
“This is an historic change that, I hope, will mean a renewed interest in growing and marketing barley and other cereals,” said Sawyer, Alberta Barley Commission chairman.
“I know that many of our farmers will continue to market their grain through the Canadian Wheat Board, while others will look into new opportunities. The Commission will continue to support all our members, whatever their personal marketing choice.”
The bill was quickly pushed through legislation and when a group of eight CWB directors attempted to block the bill’s execution Dec. 16 at a Winnipeg court, it had already become law.
They were dismissed, however, some are proceeding forward as individuals to attempt to turn back time on the now law.
However, Ritz told media last week those directors are “now on winter vacation,” noting the bill is law and nothing will change that.
