Merger Talks: Why Canola is Not at the Table

May 3, 2017 – Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) along with all the other commodity groups in Manitoba have been discussing ways to collaborate for the past three years.  As a board, MCGA has thoughtfully considered being part of a potential merger. At this time, the decision is not to participate in the current memorandum of understanding (MoU) and we will continue to monitor the discussions.

“Canola has been a part of the commodity group merger talks since inception.” says Charles (Chuck) Fossay, President of MCGA.  “We applaud the efforts of the Manitoba Corn Growers, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, National Sunflower Association, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Association and the Manitoba Flax Growers Association to explore merger potential.”

Canola is an established organization with provincial counterparts in SaskCanola and Alberta Canola Producer Commission, and a national branch called Canola Council of Canada that is connected to the complete canola value chain, and national policy voice through the Canadian Canola Growers Association.

“Canola has a good working relationship with all of the provincial commodity groups and we look forward to continued partnerships moving forward.” states Bill Ross, Executive Director of MCGA. “We continue to look for collaboration opportunities in research, education and promotion, and member relations in order to leverage check off dollars.”

“The maturity of the canola value chain affords us opportunities on a national and international stage that we would not want to lose and have to keep in mind as we move forward.”  comments Ron Krahn, MCGA Director, “Some of our key points of concern are; narrowing of farmer representation with potentially fewer directors around the table leaving us with a small voice for our members, increased workload for farm directors, weakening our relationship with our current strong canola alliances, inefficiencies of a larger organization, and potential addition of staff.”

We will monitor the progress of what the potential merger may look like and evaluate if it makes sense for our membership to join this group after April 30, 2018 according to the MoU.

 

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About Manitoba Canola Growers Association:
The Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) represents approximately 8,500 farmers in Manitoba that grow canola. MCGA uses the canola check off dollars for “seed money” to grow the future. Every dollar spent is leveraged at the local, national, and international levels. MCGA is committed to maximizing net income for canola farmers through sustainable production. For more information visit www.canolagrowers.com or follow us on Twitter @CanolaGrowers.

 

Media Contact: 
Bill Ross | Executive Manager

Manitoba Canola Growers Association

bill@nullcanolagrowers.com | 204-982-2100

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