Newsroom
2001
January 29, 2001
Farmers need more money for spring seeding
Winnipeg -- The Board of Directors of the CWBwants the federal
government to more than double the amount of money available to
farmers through the Spring Credit Advance Program.
"Farmers are in one of the worst cost-price squeezes in recent
memory," said Ken Ritter, farmer and Board Chairman. "A maximum
interest-free advance of $50,000 will help farmers pay for higher
fuel, fertilizer and chemical costs."
Last year's program was well received by farmers and assisted in
spring seeding costs. However, at a maximum amount of $20,000,
based on average seeded acreage and costs, only 25 per cent of
wheat farmers would receive full compensation under the
program.
Based on an average farm of 950 acres, only 200 to 300 acres of
seeding costs would be covered.
"This is something that is needed and can be acted upon immediately
by government," said Ritter. "It brings the spring program in line
with the dollars available through the fall program. They can be
operated in tandem, giving farmers real interest rate relief."
Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Canadian Wheat Board's
mandate is to create value for Prairie farmers by being an
innovative world leader in marketing grain. Controlled by 15
directors, including 10 elected farmers, the CWB sells wheat, durum
and barley to more than 70 countries. All sales revenue, less the
costs of marketing, are returned to western Canadian
farmers.