The head of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool says his company stands ready to compete if the federal government decides to end the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly.
Mayo Schmidt said the decision is up to the government in consultation with farmers and he does not know what will take place.
“I’d say that we have confidence that we have the expertise to provide all the services, whether it be in the marketplace we are in today or a dual market,” Schmidt said during a conference call with analysts and reporters discussing the company’s second quarter results. “I don’t see it in any way as an impediment to our success as a company.”
Schmidt said SWP’s main interest in the debate is transportation efficiency. The Canadian grains industry needs improvements in transportation to ports, including access to equipment and the transportation corridor, he said.
“We know when the boats are there because they are sitting at our spouts. What is important to us is that we get the transportation to support those ships on a timely basis.”
