The task force consists of experts in grain marketing, including a senior executive from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as its Chair. The task force will identify technical and transition issues regarding how the CWB could operate in a marketing choice environment. It will also address other issues raised at the July 27 marketing choice roundtable meeting, including, but not limited to, the tools needed for risk management, how to separate and fund market development and research activities, as well as how to deal with old export credit receivables.

"Canada's new government remains committed to providing freedom of marketing choice for farmers, to allow them to maximize their returns while still ensuring a strong, viable, voluntary CWB," said Minister Strahl. "By conducting this work, the task force will address all issues associated with a transition to marketing choice."

The members of the task force include:

1. Howard Migie, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Task force chair);
2. Mike Bast, Chair, Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association;
3. Brenda Brindle, General Manager, Alberta Grain Commission;
4. John Groenewegen, JRG Consulting Group;
5. Rob Davies, CEO, Weyburn Inland Terminal;
6. Paul Orsak, Chair, GrainVision;
7. Bruce Johnson, President, Windrow Consulting Ltd.; and
8. a representative to be named by the CWB.

Canada's new government recognizes the importance of having the CWB involved in addressing technical issues associated with implementing marketing choice.

"I am disappointed that the CWB has not responded to my invitation to develop a way forward on marketing choice for prairie producers," added Minister Strahl. "On September 5, I invited the CWB to join the task force and I would hope that they accept this invitation."

The task force has been asked to complete its work and report back to the Minister with recommendations in approximately four weeks, at which time the report will also be posted to the Department's website.

For more information on marketing choice or the Terms of Reference of the task force, please go to: www.agr.gc.ca. Canadians wishing to submit input to the task force may do so by sending an email with their ideas to: tf-gdt@agr.gc.ca.

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