The Canadian Grain Commission wants to know what farmers and grain industry groups think about producer cars.
In a discussion paper released last week, the commission poses three specific questions:
- Is it necessary to license producer car loading facilities to protect producers’ rights and the grain quality assurance system?
- Who should be responsible for the security and quality of a shipment if that shipment has been loaded by a third party other than the actual producer?
For example, if the grain arrives at terminal out of condition or infested, is that the responsibility of the farmer or the loading facility? What happens if the grain is damaged or stolen while in the custody of the loading facility? Does the Canadian Wheat Board have any responsibility in the case of CWB grains?
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- Should licensed primary elevators be permitted to load producer cars, and if so, what conditions should apply?
In a News release
news announcing its consultation plans, the commission said its decision to review producer car rules is not aimed at limiting their use.
“I want to stress, the right of farmers to use producer cars is not under discussion,” said chief commissioner Barry Senft. “Producers will continue to have this right no matter what is decided on this particular issue.”
He said the commission’s only concerns are protecting the interests of producers and the grain quality assurance system.
In the discussion paper, the commission said it is considering three options:
- Require facilities to get a primary licence and allow primary elevators to load producer cars.
- Grant temporary exemptions for producer car sites and create a special producer car loading facility licence beginning Aug. 1, 2002.
- Exempt producer car loading facilities from licensing altogether.
Some producer car proponents want a fourth option on the table. The producer car facilities would not have to be licensed, but would be subject to certain operating conditions that would be posted at the sites.
“The fact they didn’t include that option in the paper has irritated a lot of producers and producer car loaders,” said Sinclair Harrison, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. “We feel that’s still an option that’s going to be discussed.”
The discussion paper is posted on the CGC website at www.grainscanada.gc.ca. It can also be obtained by phoning the commission at 800-853-6705. Submissions must be received by Feb. 1, 2002.
