Canadian Wheat Board minister Gerry Ritz will introduce a bill in Parliament March 3 to end the CWB’s single desk marketing authority over barley. 
The minister made the announcement in Regina Feb. 29.
“This bill will deliver on our Throne Speech commitment and will bring barley marketing freedom to the strong and growing majority of producers who are demanding it,” Ritz said in a statement.
Speaking to reporters, he declined to discuss details of the bill until it is tabled in the House of Commons. He did say it will only cover barley, not wheat, and will permit the board to continue to sell barley on the open market.
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Asked if passage of the bill will be considered a matter of confidence, meaning a defeat would cause the government to fall and trigger an election, he said that is one of the options available.
The minister acknowledged that getting the bill approved by the House will be problematic, given that all three opposition parties have expressed support for keeping barley under the CWB’s single desk marketing authority.
He said the government’s goal is to have the bill passed in time for the beginning of the new crop year Aug. 1, 2008.
Canadian Wheat Board chair Ken Ritter said the board will oppose the legislation because farmers should be the ones to decide on the future their marketing agency.
He said the government has not consulted the board about the legislation, which it is required to do under the CWB Act.
The act also requires the government to hold a referendum among farmers before introducing legislation. Ritter noted that the three-question federal plebiscite held last year was confusing and non-binding and can’t be considered a valid referendum.
He added that introducing legislation at this time will create great uncertainty in the barley market.
“Farmers want to get on with their business, they want this to end,” he said.
