Although the former vice-president of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool is changing jobs and cities, Barry Senft says his resolve to defend the regulations that give Canadian grain its worldwide reputation remains the same.
Within days, he will assume his new role as Winnipeg-based assistant chief commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission.
“I think one of the real challenges ahead is making sure that farmers always know the value of the grain commission,” he said in an interview. “It is under pressure from some people to back off some. There is always a risk deregulation can go too far.”
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He said the same rule applies in the debate over whether to weaken Canadian Wheat Board powers.
“Everything can be changed but people should clearly understand the implications of what they are asking for,” he said.
“It’s questionable if some changes are made that we can ever go back if it turns out to be a wrong decision.”
As a Saskatchewan grain farmer and 17-year veteran of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool politics, Senft said he has seen evidence of the credibility the grain commission’s grading and inspection services give to Canadian grain in export markets.
And with increasing varieties of grain being grown on the Prairies, the commission’s role as a guarantor of Canadian standards will be more important.
“The commission will have to make sure that reputation stays intact as we move into more diverse grains and crops that are grown by producers,” he said. “I will be part of that.”
Senft’s appointment as second-in-command at the Canadian Grain Commission was announced Jan. 13 by federal agriculture minister Ralph Goodale.
Colleagues surprised
For some in the industry it came as a bit of a surprise. He has had a fast-track political career at the Saskatchewan pool that many assumed was not over.
Although Senft has been a pool delegate for 17 years, a director for 14 and second vice-president for more than three, he is just 40 years old.
“I have been involved for a long time and I decided at this point in my career it was time to look at this option,” he said from his office in Regina. “I firmly believe Sask Wheat Pool is headed in the right direction and that made it easier to leave.”
Although the grain commission appointment is for an initial five-year term, Senft said he has no plans to return to farm politics or organizations in the future.
Asked if he had been designated to replace chief commissioner Milt Wakefield when he retires, Senft said his job description is to be assistant chief commissioner.
“That bridge will be crossed at that time.”
Senft’s annual salary at the comission will fall between $80,100 to $94,500.
Errol Lewis of Winnipeg was re-appointed an assistant commissioner.
