Organic farmers in Saskatchewan say they don’t need the Canadian Wheat Board to market their grain.
Three of four organic farmers who made presentations to the federal standing committee on agriculture in Regina two weeks ago said their grains do not need to be controlled by the board.
The committee was in Regina to hear what producers had to say about proposed amendments to wheat board legislation.
Curtis Kuchinka, who farms in southeastern Saskatchewan, said the board should not have jurisdiction over organic grains.
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“It is my belief that the majority of organic producers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta would agree that their grains are unique and should be removed from the jurisdiction of the Canadian Wheat Board,” he said.
There was agreement from Bill Rees, of Stockholm, Saskatchewan director of Organic Crop Improvement Association Chapter 6.
“In my opinion the recommendation that was made by the (Western Grain Marketing) panel to exempt organic producers and organic wheat and barley from the board and its regulation should be endorsed,” he said.
John Husband, of Wawota, said having to use the wheat board is like putting private property under public ownership.
“In terms of marketing we have a system that’s working,” said the member of the Organic Special Products Group. “We’re getting good returns. We’re asking to be allowed to do our thing.”
Husband said organic producers can’t forward contract because they don’t know what the buy-back price from the board is going to be.
“Quite often the buy-back is so high that after the final payment we’re still out of pocket.”
He also said organic farmers are routinely blending wheat and don’t need the wheat board to do it.
But Elmer Laird of Davidson, representing Back to the Farm Research Foundation, said that is exactly why the board is needed. He presented the committee with samples of organic wheat and flour and bread made from those products.
He said wheat must be blended to ensure proper gluten content and the best possible result in baking.
“The Canadian Wheat Board should market all certified organic grain,” Laird told the committee. “They have a monopoly on grain marketing. They should live up to their mandate.”
Laird also recommended all food products served in the House of Commons be certified organic.