CIGI Revamps Board Structure, Adds Farmer Reps and More

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In what is being described as a “momentous occasion” by its chairperson, the Board of Directors of Cigi (Canadian International Grains Institute) has approved a new governance model for the institute, according to a press release. The change, approved at its annual general meeting on June 18, will see board membership expand to include representation from across the value chain, signalling another step in Cigi’s evolution to meet the needs of a changing industry, the organization says.

The make-up of the Cigi board was previously made up of founding organizations, with members from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Wheat Board and the Canadian Grain Commission. In June 2012 the addition of three new directors, all farmers from Western Canada, to fill two positions previously held by the Canadian Wheat Board and one vacant ‘at large’ position marked the first step in revamping the board, Cigi says.

Now Cigi is in the process of contacting industry organizations representing exporters, farmers, processors, and other technical industry officials to nominate individuals to sit on the Board of Directors, which will be made up of a minimum of six to a maximum of nine members.  To enable the transition from the old structure to the new structure five of Cigi’s current directors have transferred into one or two year terms on the board.  These directors are Jim Wilson, Randy Johner, LeRon Torrie, Henry Van Ankum and Murdoch MacKay. 

“Cigi has turned a corner with this new governance structure,” says Murdoch MacKay, who is continuing in his role as board chairperson.  “This really is a momentous occasion because it demonstrates how much Cigi is evolving and working with the industry on a much broader scale.”

New directors will be selected by the current Cigi board members.  The goal is to have a balance of representatives from different industry sectors.  It is expected there will be a slate of directors in place when the Cigi board next meets in mid-October.

 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.

 

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