Canadian Government Assists Malt and Barley Industry Increase Competitiveness
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
With the Canadian Wheat Board gone, the Canadian Government has been supporting grain farmers increase their competiveness and gain access to new markets. The government announced today an investment of $525,000 for Canada’s malt and barley industry to equip them with the tools necessary to increase their competiveness, gaining momentum into new and existing markets and research new malting barley varieties. Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, made the announcement on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz,
"The Harper Government's top priority remains the economy, and we continue to work with farmers to create and expand export opportunities," said Minister Fletcher. "Western barley farmers are embracing marketing freedom, and now our government is helping them market their world-class product to new markets around the world."
Canada is known around the world for its malting barley and it represents $600 million in exports sales, which is expected to increase with more favorable economic conditions and strengthened support by the federal government.