There was a noticeably quicker turnaround in getting government approval
for the latest adjustment payment for western Canadian producers.
The Canadian Wheat Board asked the federal government Dec. 1 to approve
an increase in the 2010-11 initial payments to reflect rising markets.
The government said yes Jan. 24, a turnaround of less than eight weeks.
The board announced the increases yesterday.
Farmers will receive adjustment payments of $37.20 a tonne for No. 1 CW
red spring wheat, 12.5 percent protein, bringing the total payment for
the crop year so far to $225.20 per tonne. The higher payments are
effective Jan. 31.
Durum growers will get a payment of $33.50 a tonne for No. 1 CW amber
durum, 12.5 percent protein, bringing the total for the crop year to
$222.50.
Those with No. 1 CW feed barley are looking at an adjustment of $54 a
tonne for a total of $202 per tonne to date this crop year.
Those lucky enough to have malt quality barley to sell will get an
adjustment payment of $37.50, for a total of $225.50 a tonne.
The issue of the timing of adjustment payments gained a high profile in
recent months, prompted by a long delay in approving the Aug. 1 initial,
which was requested by the board Sept. 3.
That request was revised upward Sept. 29 and the payment finally
approved by Ottawa 12 weeks later on Nov. 25.
The board is proposing that it take over responsibility for adjustment
payments, using its contingency fund as a financial backstop. The
government says it’s willing to talk about the issue but no formal
discussions have been held.
