national
farmers union
national
farmers union
SASKATOON, Sask.-"Eight of the ten elected directors are strong CWB-supporters. Once again, farmers have demonstrated that the vast majority support a strong CWB and single-desk selling. I am happy with the skills and experience that many of the elected directors bring to the newly-created board table," said newly-elected NFU President Cory Ollikka.
"The two elected directors who do not support the CWB pillars-single-desk selling, pooling, and government partnership-will face a steep learning curve. They must now help guide a multi-billion dollar marketing agency in farmers' interests. The fuzzy thinking that gives rise to schemes such as 'dual marketing' has no place inside a board-room. I trust that as these three directors come to more fully understand the workings of the CWB and its place in the world grain industry, that they will gain a new appreciation for the CWB. I hope that they are up to the challenge," said Ollikka.
On the government appointees, Ollikka stated: "We are cautiously optimistic that the five appointed directors will work in farmers' interests and maintain a strong CWB based on the pillars of single-desk selling, price pooling, and government-guarantees. As directors, they have a duty of stewardship: to act in the best interests of the CWB and the western Canadian wheat and barley producers it serves. Further, I trust that they will be guided by the strong showing by CWB-supporters in the election."
Ollikka continued: "These appointed directors come from industry, and farmers know that what is good for 'the industry' is not always good for farmers. It is essential that the appointed directors understand this distinction and act accordingly. Farmers will be watching all the directors closely, but the five appointees from the industry will come under extremely close scrutiny."
"These elections mark an significant point in CWB history. The recently-announced merger of Cargill and Continental would give one company 40% of the world grain trade. As these corporations become more powerful, the need for a strong CWB working for Canadian farmers in the world market becomes more acute. I hope that the new CWB board of directors can take an active and effective role in healing divisions in the farm community and helping farmer to see the collective advantage which the CWB brings to farmers in increasingly concentrated and volatile markets," concluded Ollikka.
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