A decaying justice system … will surely not do justice for western grain producers in their struggle to save the CWB.
Using a mere play on words in the CWB act, “just us” rebel David Sawatzky gets acquitted on charges of illegally exporting grain to the U.S., demonstrating how easy it is to defy justice.
To ridicule justice even more, Reformers who crisscross the country preaching how they would crack down on crime, reveal their true color by associating with notorious law breakers like “just us” rebel Andy McMechan.
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Most ludicrous is Alberta Ag Minister Walter Paszkowski. Having decided he is above our fragile justice system, Paszkowski now wants to use his political power to become an illegal grain broker for the “just us” rebels so they can cheat the majority of western Canada’s (including Alberta’s) honest grain farmers from their just share of the U.S. market.
In the long run the CWB is a just advantage for all western Canada grain farmers.
However a few “just us” rebels with the leadership of a few morally handicapped politicians will destroy the CWB if we do not defend it.
– Diedrich Driedger, LaCrete, Alta.
Seed choice
To the Editor:
I would like to add an additional comment that hasn’t been mentioned in the current battle about the Wheat Board.
The issue of the right for the farmer to choose the seed that he or she wishes to plant in their field does not exist in Canada. The variety must be registered and meet modern agronomic “values.” Therefore it is illegal to sell heritage varieties like ‘Red Fife’ even though heritage and traditional varieties support diversity conservation in the field as outlined in the global Biodiversity Strategy.
Farmers who support organic and sustainable agriculture may choose to grow a variety that grows well in low-input farming systems. Modern varieties for the most part are chosen for their ability to produce high yields with high inputs.
Since the Wheat Board and the Seeds Act are the two governing bodies that have supported the registration of seed process, this issue of farmers’ right to choose the seed they wish to grow is an important consideration when deciding what to do with the Wheat Board.
Ideally a parallel system could exist that would legalize selling heritage and traditional varieties; this would allow niche markets with historic sites, specialty product development and other processes to expand. And keeping diversity alive in the field is an important measure for conserving Canadian and global agricultural biodiversity.
The current export-driven economy could still survive, but there should be a choice by the farmer. This choice will not exist until people ask the system to change.
If people wish information on the heritage cereal collection of the Seeds of Diversity Canada (Heritage Seed Program) they can send a SASE to Box 1406, #194, 3803 Calgary Trail, Edmonton, Alberta T6J 5M8.
– Sharon Rempel, Edmonton, Alta.
Native grass
To the Editor:
I am writing you concerning the article entitled “Grass grower returns prairies to natural state,” which appeared in the Aug. 29 issue.
Although the article contained much valuable information, it also included much misleading information concerning native prairie.
The info on the agronomic aspects of growing native seed cultivars contained information that potential grass seed producers are very curious about. Since this is an emerging market there are many new aspects for producers to learn.
Firstly, the article title is misleading. It implies that humans can return cultivated land back to its original composition, and by using one or two species of grass. Once native prairie is ploughed it will never be the same again.
True native prairie is composed of hundreds of different plant species, not just two or three. Native prairie also contains many as-yet-undiscovered soil critters that help this natural ecosystem to function without the aid of artificial inputs.
Wild native plants have a wide genetic base and are very adapted to their environment, whereas the native grass cultivars that Mr. Bollefour is producing represent a small part of that genetic variability.
Nonetheless, the product that he is producing is very much in need by oil and gas companies in their reclamation work on native range lands.
Secondly, the author has written the information as if smooth brome and tall wheat grass are also native grasses. Indeed, smooth brome is considered by many people to be an invasive weed on native range. In closing, I appreciate the attention you are giving native range, but the context is probably inappropriate for those unfamiliar with the unique values and contribution that native plants have to offer.
– Chris Nykoluk, Lumsden, Sask.
CWB majority
To the Editor:
The CWB is no doubt the most important topic this forum has ever seen. Rightly so; in Saskatchewan this debate is even more important for this province prospers with grain growers and suffers when adversity hits the farm industry.
None of us can afford to be disinterested! The debate has settled nothing, except to show that the vast farm majority supports the board.
Wheat and barley are still king of the grains grown on the prairies. Orderly marketing of these grains seems to be essential. Nothing is perfect but the CWB has held on to our share of the world market.
It has allowed each farmer to deliver a share when elevator space was in short supply.
For the private trade, the price would drop if the elevators were plugged.
The importance of this issue needs a plebiscite of all permit holders on a simple question of wheat board or no wheat board.
The silent majority for the CWB has now been heard and they have rattled the Minister’s political conscience. He is backing down from supporting his shameful panel report.
Will he now settle this divisive issue for or against the wheat board? That is the only way to settle this debate, to give the majority a chance to win!
– Ernest J. Weser, Laird, Sask.
