News

Commodity Groups Release Amalgamation Report

In a watershed moment for agriculture in Manitoba, the five commodity groups that in May of this year began exploring an amalgamation are pleased to release a summary report highlighting the potential path towards a new, grassroots and farmer-driven organization.

The release of this report launches a consultation period for farmer members of the organizations to become involved in the process.

“Commodity groups need to be farmer-driven. They need to be run by their grassroots,” says Myron Krahn, President of Manitoba Corn Growers Association. “This report shows how amalgamating would not only maintain our connection to farmers from across Manitoba, but also how it would improve it. From better research capability to a greater potential to leverage research investments, we’ll have more impact as an amalgamated group. Together we can be better.”

The potential board structure, governance structure, core functions, legal process and timeline of this potential amalgamation are all laid out in this summary report, which changed and adapted as the steering committee received feedback from their farmer members over the past few months.

The report is the result of nine months of meetings between board and staff representatives from Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers, Manitoba Flax Growers, the National Sunflower Association of Canada, Manitoba Corn Growers and Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers and Rob Hannam of the consulting firm Synthesis Agri-Food Network. It serves as a roadmap, the destination of which is a farmer-driven, grassroots organization that will reduce overlap, increase impact and deliver more value to Manitoba farmers.

Regional meetings and presentations are planned for January 2018 so that farmers across the province have an opportunity to hear the proposed plan and ask questions, in-person.

Dates and Locations for meetings and presentations are as follows:

  • St. Jean Farm Days presentation                    Jan. 10 at 1pm
  • Dauphin, MB meeting                                       Jan. 11 at 1pm
  • Stonewall, MB meeting                                     Jan. 12 at 10am
  • Brandon Ag Days presentation                       Jan. 16 at 3pm

In addition, this report will be discussed at each involved commodity group’s Annual General Meeting, which will be held during the CropConnect conference on February 14 and 15, 2018.

Manitoba farmers who grow the crops represented in this amalgamation process are encouraged to get involved and “have your say.” The report will be available at the following temporary website set up for this consultation period: www.mbcrops.ca. Feedback from farmer members is welcome and encouraged through email directly to Rob Hannam at rob@mbcrops.ca.

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Rob Hannam

Client Lead

Synthesis Agri-Food Network

519.822.7272

rob.hannam@synthesis-network.com

 

Pam de Rocquigny

General Manager

Manitoba Corn Growers and Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers

204.745.6661

pam@mbwheatandbarley.ca

For more information, please contact:

Toban Dyck

Director of Communications

Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers

204.227.8875

Toban@manitobapulse.ca