Four like-minded grower organizations will continue to explore a potential
amalgamation with the commitment to consultation and allowing membership to make the decision.
At the end of July, the steering committee consisting of directors and staff from five grower organizations met in Carman, Manitoba to review details on an updated proposal examining amalgamation and a model that did not include legal amalgamation. After reviewing both options, and following additional discussions after the July meeting, the Manitoba Corn Growers Association (MCGA), Manitoba Flax Growers Association (MFGA), National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) and the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Association (MWBGA) will move forward together by allowing their memberships to decide on a potential amalgamation.
“I believe it is the time to look more closely at how Manitoba commodity organizations operate, with the end goal of how we can better serve our members - Manitoba farmers,” said Myron Krahn, past president of the MCGA.
“Many farmers belong to multiple commodity organizations. Imagine what we could accomplish together if an administratively efficient organization was formed that allowed focus on crop-specific issues, increased research and agronomic capacity, included a mechanism to allow farmers of any age or gender to serve on the new
organization, and enhanced grassroots involvement.”
The steering committee now comprised of farmer-director representatives from the four groups and staff will continue to incorporate feedback that was heard at the regional meetings held in January and the annual general meetings in February 2018. An amended proposal exploring amalgamation is being developed for membership to
consider.
“NSAC is willing and happy to proceed with like-minded organizations to ensure the best investments into research and market development,” said NSAC President Mark McDonald. “From the initial Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2017, we committed to consultation with membership to make sure farmers from each commodity
organization have a voice. We also committed to allowing membership to make the decision.”
The farmer-led steering committee will also determine the next steps to ensure an adequate consultation period for members to review the revised proposal, including when a membership vote would occur and how. “We have said from the beginning that farmer members need to drive this and we as directors need to make sure that
happens,” said MWBGA chair Fred Greig. However, as stated during the consultation period and the 2018 annual general meetings, the steering committee will take the time needed to do things right.
The four grower organizations remain committed to seek out and engage in collaborative opportunities with fellow Manitoba grower organizations, with the objective to better serve Manitoba farmers who grow multiple crops on their farm.
Source : Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association