The Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association has a name but doesn’t formally exist yet because the commodity group is waiting on provincial certification.
James Battershill, general manager of Keystone Agricultural Producers, said the association remains in a holding period as provincial officials decide if a producer referendum is needed for a checkoff on wheat and barley.
“The hope is still to be operational in August,” he said.
The association’s steering committee has hired consultant Brent VanKoughnet to lead the start-up phase.
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VanKoughnet said informal polling and meetings with producers suggest cereal growers support the concept.
Farmers know that something or someone has to promote wheat to consumers and financially support agronomic research, he added.
“People get that that requires some investment.”
He said the Manitoba association is considering a $1 checkoff on wheat and barley.
“The vision … is a combination of market development that is the CIGI (Canadian International Grains Institute) checkoff right now and the research checkoff that’s WGRF (Western Grains Research Foundation) right now,” said VanKoughnet.
“The other (piece) is advocacy and agronomy research and other things. All that kind of adds up to $1 a tonne.”
