Newsroom
2006
CWB launches new, user-friendly Web site
Winnipeg -- The CWB has launched a new, user-friendly Web site designed to meet the needs of a burgeoning number of farmers who conduct their business over the Internet.
“The number of visits to the CWB Web site has grown from about 5,100 per month in 1997 to an average of 135,000 per month this year,” said Deanna Allen, vice-president of farmer relations and public affairs. “We want to make cwb.ca as easy to use and relevant as possible since so many farmers now depend on the Internet as their first source of information.”
The CWB’s Web site features a wide range of up-to-date material, including information on the many pricing options and programs available to farmers. Through CWB e-services, farmers can sign up contracts and check their advance balances online. Pages contain grain prices and farmer payment data, news releases, as well as many reports and studies on current issues.
The CWB consulted widely with farmers during the process of revamping its Web site to make sure it was designed with their needs in mind.
“Farmers told us what information they need, how they’d prefer to access it and about their technical requirements,” said Allen. “We’re very pleased with the result. It’s fresh, friendly and easy to navigate. And it features a new tool box that allows users to resize text for easy reading, and to remove graphics.
“The ability to remove graphics is a big plus for many farmers who have slower, dial-up Internet access. We wanted to be sure they won’t be wasting time waiting for downloads.”
The CWB’s new Web site is also designed to enable customers to easily access the information they need on products available through the CWB. Elevator staff also depend on the CWB Web site. Most of the content they require has been linked to the secure e-services portal.
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 organization sells grain to more than 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to Prairie farmers.
For more information, please contact:
Maureen Fitzhenry
CWB media relations manager
Tel: (204) 983-3101
Cell: (204) 479-2451