Opinion
Today, I have far more questions than answers.
At FarmTech, I spoke with one farmer about the Alberta Wheat Commission — its proposed role, its goals, who was involved. It all sounded on the up-and-up and very noble, though I got the sense I had heard the speech before. Before that, in Saskatchewan, I spoke with an industry-type about the proposed Saskatchewan commission. Then I asked the Western Grains Research Foundation what it did. And then I spoke with someone about changes to the Grain Act and the Canadian Grain Commission.
Still with me? Good, because you know what I came up with? Questions. And more questions. Dear readers, could you provide your answers and opinions? Because, so far, this is my list:
Does each province really need its own wheat commission? Barley commission? Winter wheat commission? Where does it end? Why are we not using the Canadian Grains Council as one, over-arching body? Where does the WGRF play into all of this? Are we headed towards total farmer burn-out as the few who decide to sit on these boards spread themselves too thin? Is this not simple duplication? Inefficient? Ineffective?
There is a comment period on right now about the Saskatchewan Wheat Commission. My comment is — is this the best way to go about this?
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
