Newsroom
2005
CWB leverages single-desk to coordinate grain movement
Feb. 1, 2005
Winnipeg - The CWB today dismissed as ill-informed criticisms of its current grain movement program, noting that the single desk is demonstrating its value to maintain premium markets for Prairie farmers during a challenging crop year.
"We secured a supply of the highest-grade, high-protein Canada Western Red Spring wheat at port position in Eastern Canada late in the 2003-04 crop year," said Ward Weisensel, Chief Operating Officer. "Instead of blending the grain, we retained it following the frost of August 2004 in order to ensure we would be able to meet commitments to some of western Canadian farmers' best and most loyal customers."
Weisensel noted there have been significant transportation problems in the last couple of months, including mudslides, continuous rain and extreme cold weather, which have delayed grain movement and delivery. In order to ensure sales commitments were met, the CWB moved 280 cars of grain from other ports to the West Coast.
"This is the power the single-desk gives western Canadian farmers," Weisensel added, noting international customers have clearly identified the CWB's reliability as an important factor in making it a preferred wheat supplier around the world. "Prairie farmers achieve premiums based on this reputation, and in my opinion, maintaining our good standing is extremely important."
The CWB made these comments in response to a news release issued yesterday by the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association. Weisensel expressed his disappointment that the WCWGA did not bother to investigate the facts before issuing the release. He noted that the CWB would be attending a WCWGA meeting in Canmore February 16 and would be prepared to address any outstanding concerns directly.
Weisensel also noted that the CWB would continue to make incremental grain movements for the remainder of the 2004-05 crop year (the crop year runs from August 1 to July 31) if necessary to maximize returns for farmers.
Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. As one of Canada's biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based company sells grain to more than 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less
marketing costs, to Prairie farmers.
For more information, please contact:
Louise Waldman
Manager, Media Relations
Tel: (204) 983-3101
Cell: (204) 479-2451