The Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi), Canadian Malting Barley Centre (CMBTC) and Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) join together in recognizing the Government of Canada for its commitment to establish a voluntary check-off on wheat and barley to support the continuation of their work on behalf of the western Canadian grain industry.

The Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act introduced by the Government on October 18 allows for the collection of a check-off for five years to enable Cigi, CMBTC and WGRF to deliver vital market development, wheat and barley variety development and technical support to the industry.

All three organizations look forward to working with Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, department officials and industry partners during the coming months in the development of the Regulations for the check-off. The organizations also look forward to participating in the development and implementation of a new model to allow for permanent dedicated check-offs for market development, wheat and barley variety development, and technical industry support following this five year transition period.

Cigi is a non-profit market development organization specializing in the delivery of technical expertise, support and customized training in Canadian field crops to customers around the world. Core funding is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Wheat Board. Additional funds and support are provided by other sectors of the agriculture industry. 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 100 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

For more  information, please contact:

Earl Geddes
Executive Director, Cigi
Ph: (204) 983-4980/Cell: (204) 955-1191

Robert McCaig
Managing Director, CMBTC
Ph: (204) 983-1981/Cell: (204) 962-2777

Garth Patterson
Executive Director, WGRF
Ph: (306) 975-2081/Cell: (306) 370-8842