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| To make one thing clear, I do not support the CWB, I believe in choice. However I do 'support' them by chosing to grow board grains, like you. That is one of the reasons I have opted to grow Navigator durum as you can get away (somewhat) from the mainstream generic durum contracts found within the CWB.
You do have to buy certified seed from Viterra at inflated prices. Why they have to be inflated above market price is beyond me, I blame that on the certified seed growers. But its the same with any certified non-board seed too.
Viterra acts as a broker for the CWB. Just like every other elevating company that deals with board grains. Viterra was smart to get into IP programs as there was a market for it. Why didn't Cargill, JRI or local owned elevators do that? The CWB allows IP programs, it is not Viterra's fault that they allow it, they simply took advantage of it and are passing that advantage down to the producer's that get into it. Your issue has more to do with the CWB then Viterra, but you blame Viterra when they are just the guys in the middle. If you want to see other companys in on IP programs, voice your concern with these companys and tell them to saddle up. The more competition between grain companys the better.
You have the choice to grow durum. Nobody is forcing you to grow durum. However when you do decide to grow it, you should already know you are dealing with the CWB in the end, regardless of what variety it is, or who elevates and ships it to port. If you have so much against them, then why grow board crops? I have learnt to deal with them, as I feel they will not be going anywhere soon.
I agree with you that it is not 'fair' for some farmers to be allocated 100% delivery on durum while others are forced to hold a certain % of durum back. However, I have known this for as long as I have grown durum. It is not uncommon for a certain percentage of durum to be carried over into subsequent crop years. That is why when I was originally given the chance to move 100% of my durum every year, I took it. It costs money to keep grain in storage. I seen a potential benefit to my bottom line, why wouldn't I get involved?
As for your refernce farmer, his crop did not make the IP standards, so it was opted out. End of story. It is now considered generic durum. It was his choice to go back to Viterra for a #2. He could have sold to Cargill for a #2 or #3. Or anybody else for that matter. What does this have to do with the Navigator IP programs from Viterra? His grain didn't make the cut, thats Viterra's fault? Yes he has an issue with Viterra's customer service, but that can be found within ANY grain handling company.
For the record I am sitting on 85% of my Navigator grain. I don't like that, I would like to have at least 50% gone by now. I know it will all move by July 31, 2010, so I put up with it. Its not all gravy within the Navigator IP programs either.
You say the CWB should be looking out for all farmers, not just a select few, make everyone equal. Sounds like a bold statement a CWB supporter would say. How are you going to fair when the board is gone and you have to market 100% of your durum to the big multi-nationals? Do you think you will be treated fairly by them? Doubt it. The IP programs are a taste of what you will see when the board is gone, aggressive programs from grain companys. When the board is gone, grain companys are not going to carry on as they have for the past 80 years, they will adapt new ways of buying and selling grain with their own programs. There will be no more marketing equality between farmers, it will be farm or be farmed. Us non-supporters of the CWB must realize that it will not be any easier to market board grains and recover a profit. All farmers will have to sharpen their marketing skills to deal with these big multinationals. Sure you have more options of where to sell and who to sell too, but keep in mind that those grain company's will be looking for a profit too. Thats the future whether we like it or not, I am glad I have had the experience in the IP programs and have successfully made them work for my operation, because in another 10 years I know I will be looking back at this experience for marketing my durum to the big guys.
Edited by nserfas 2/10/2010 23:25
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PEA and LENTIL growers.............
