Sask. Linear Grain elevator license not renewed

The change came into effect Oct. 1

There’s been a change with licensing at Linear Grain Inc.

As of Oct. 1, the primary elevator license at Arborfield, Sask., with its 4,760-tonne capacity, was not renewed, the Canadian Grain Commission’s (CGC) website says.

“Licenses may not be renewed for a variety of operational reasons,” the CGC said on X in response to a question from Walter Moebis, who asked if producers should be worried. “If producers have any questions about payment protection or their rights when working with licensed grain companies, they should contact us.”

A primary elevator license goes to “an operator of an elevator which primarily receices grain directly from producers, for either or both storage and forwarding,” the CGC says.

The company’s other licenses are retained.

The CGC’s records show Linear Grain has another location in Carman, Man.

This one, also a primary elevator, has a capacity of 13,700 tonnes.

Linear Grain’s website and social media accounts don’t have information about the Sask. elevator’s license change.

The organization last sent a message on X and its Facebook accounts on May 31.

Farms.com has reached out to Linear Grain for comment about the situation.

Multiple Saskatchewan grain handlers have undergone CGC licensing changes.

The CGC’s records show that going back to December 2022, elevators in Saskatchewan are listed 24 times. And some of those listings affected multiple locations within the province.

For context, elevators in Ontario are listed only six times during the same period.

Farm groups are concerned about this string of licensing changes.

In August, following the CGC’s revocation of Purely Canada Foods Corp.’s license, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan urged for more safeguards for farmers.

"Payment security is the corner stone in safeguarding the interests and livelihoods of farmers. It's hard to fathom that, despite its significance, the program has seen little to no improvement for over 15 years," Ian Boxall, president of APAS, said in a statement.

Farms.com has contacted APAS for updated comments.