Released on November 25, 2013
Today Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart encouraged wheat and barley producers to participate in the first-ever board elections for the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission.
“Western Canadian wheat and barley producers have entered a new era with marketing freedom and these new commissions will help direct the future of their industry,” Stewart said. “I encourage Saskatchewan producers to learn about the candidates and help elect boards of directors to build on this milestone opportunity for growth.”
The commissions were established by the Ministry of Agriculture in June 2013 following an extensive consultation process with producers. Check-offs administered by the commissions will generate about $5 million annually for research, market development and promotion of wheat and barley. These crops represent about one-third of Saskatchewan’s total annual crop acres.
Voter packages are being mailed to registered wheat and barley producers. Mail-in ballots must be received by the returning officer at Levy Central in Saskatoon by December sixth.
The new boards are expected to take office during the commissions’ annual general meetings in January 2014.
The commissions will play a valuable role in the future of the wheat and barley industries and help to achieve the goals set out in the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, including increasing crop production by 10 million tonnes, increasing agri-food exports by $5 billion, increasing value-added production and establishing Saskatchewan as a leader in biosciences.
Further information can be found on the commission websites at www.saskwheatcommission.com and www.saskbarleycommission.com or by calling the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission office at 306-653-7932 or the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission office at 306-653-7232.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Angela Hall
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: angela.hall@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0521