It’s an advertising slogan that has aired repeatedly on television and radio, and has been read in farm publications in recent weeks.
“My farm. My choice.”
It’s an ad for Dekalb brand canola seed.
But a few farmers have wondered whether it may also be a message for farmers voting in the Canadian Wheat Board director elections.
They say the phrase could be seen as promoting marketing choice, which is a crucial issue in the campaign.
“I don’t know if they are sending a subliminal message, but it’s pretty coincidental,” said Laurence Nicholson, a single desk supporter who farms at Seven Persons, Alta.
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A coincidence is exactly what it is, said a spokesperson for Monsanto Canada, which sells seed under the Dekalb brand name.
“Obviously there is absolutely no connection,” said Trish Jordan, director of public affairs, adding the company has no interest in getting involved in grain marketing policy.
The ad campaign was in the works long before the CWB election got underway, she said, adding the idea that it could be interpreted as a promotion for marketing choice has never crossed her mind.
The message of the ad is that farmers have lots of choice when it comes to buying canola seed, she said, and this farmer is choosing Dekalb.
National Farmers Union president Stewart Wells said the ads were brought to his attention by two farmers.
“It’s not beyond the realm of possibility but there’s no evidence to indicate there’s a link,” he said, adding he doesn’t intend to raise the issue with the election co-ordinator.
