The Canadian Wheat Board has asked the federal government to boost its funding to the Canadian Grain Commission in order to protect Canada’s grain quality control system.
“The financial pressures the CGC is facing and the recommendations contained in its program review threaten to undermine this important role,” CGC director Micheal Halyk said in a Feb. 22 press release.
The commission has proposed a number of changes designed to reduce its $10 million operating deficit, including establishing new user fees that would be paid by farmers, and making optional some CGC weighing and inspection services that are now mandatory.
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The board said it fears the commission will become too concerned about providing revenue-generating services rather than looking out for quality. Many services benefit the entire economy and deserve increased public funding, said the board, adding it has asked agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief and CWB minister Ralph Goodale to increase CGC funding.
The board suggested:
- Inland inspection of wheat board grains should remain mandatory.
- Fees must not discriminate against producer cars.
- The quality of grain loaded onto vessels must not be affected.
- The mandatory producer security program must be retained.
