Grain Growers Meet With Ag Minister On The Hill

Grain Growers of Canada Chair, Jeff Nielsen, says it was a pleasure to meet with the Federal Ag Minister at Parliament Hill.

Nielsen, who farms near Olds, was also joined by other Grain Growers of Canada representatives for the meeting with Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on Monday, March 25.

He says the canola issue with China is a top concern for Bibeau.

"She's very keen on this issue, she understands it well," he said. "We had a very good discussion with her, and it's a file that's going to take some time to get through no doubt, but I think everyone is looking for a positive outcome. We expect it, it's just going to take a bit of time."

Nielsen says, they have a high level of respect for the staff at Agriculture Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency who verify the high quality crops being grown in Canada.

In addition, last weeks Federal Budget includes a commitment to reform the Canada Grain Act and the Canadian Grain Commission.

Nielsen says during the meeting they made it clear they want to see the Canadian Grain Commission inspection fees eliminated until the Commission's $90 million surplus from over charging farmers is used up.

"Producers need to see a sign from Government that they are making positive moves, and one way that they can do that is announcing they will use the surplus up by eliminating fees and just drawing the surplus down."

The group met with other government officials on Monday as well to shed more light on the issue.