Wheat and Barley Check-off Website Launched
Alberta Barley Commission gives farmers and buyers another tool to help understand the check-off program
CALGARY, AB, September 24, 2012 – The Alberta Barley Commission (ABC) recently launched a new website to help Western Canadian grain farmers and buyers better understand the new collection system for the wheat and barley check-off. The website, www.wheatbarleycheckoff.com, provides information about the check-off, the remittance process, reporting procedures and answers frequently asked questions.
In accordance with the federal “Regulations Respecting Research, Market Development and Technical Assistance (Wheat and Barley),” the ABC has been collecting the check-off since August 1, 2012. The new website is intended to be another tool to assist farmers and grain buyers in understanding the program.
“We know that farmers and buyers don’t have time to go hunting for information – especially at harvest time,” says ABC Chairman Matt Sawyer. “The website will make it as easy as possible for all stakeholders to get the information they need to understand the check-off.”
The ABC is collecting the voluntary check-off on behalf of three recipient groups: the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF); the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi); and the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC). The check-off funds will enable these three organizations to continue to deliver new varieties, market development and technical support to the industry.
“All three organizations have a proven track record of success,” says Sawyer. “Their vast achievements have proven invaluable to farmers.”
Western Canadian farmers and grain buyers are encouraged to utilize the website www.wheatbarleycheckoff.com or phone the ABC’s toll-free number at 1-800-265-9111.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Bastarache Public Relations Specialist, Alberta Barley Commission (403) 462-0532Backgrounder
Cigi is an independent market development institute created in 1972. Its mission is to create profitable opportunities for Canadian field crops through the delivery of technical expertise, support and customized training to the domestic industry and customers around the world. Cigi is funded by farmers, the Government of Canada (AAFC) and industry partners. www.cigi.ca
CMBTC is an independent, non-profit organization funded by members of the malting barley and malt industry. The CMBTC is the focal point for applied malting and brewing research and provides technical support to members and clients. www.cmbtc.com
WGRF is a farmer funded and directed non-profit organization investing primarily in wheat and barley variety development. WGRF has assisted in the development and release of more than 110 new wheat and barley varieties over the past decade and a half, many of which are today seeded to large portions of the cropland in Western Canada. www.westerngrains.com
