Agreement was reached on a range of measures during a meeting on Tuesday to clear up miscommunications about milling wheat standards. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Department of Agriculture, the Grain Elevators Corporation and wheat producers.
“I am pleased that this issue has been resolved and that the industry can continue to move forward,” said Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan, who was acting Agriculture Minister when the issue arose. “It is unfortunate that this became an issue in the first place, and it should never have happened. The department will be taking the appropriate steps to resolve any outstanding problems.”
The issue arose when Dover Mills, which purchases milling wheat from the Grain Elevators Corporation, released a memo which contained a misprint. Dover Mills has since taken full responsibility for the mistake. Mr. Sheridan said the department and the Grain Elevators Corporation moved immediately to clarify the matter.
The measures introduced on Tuesday will eliminate the uncertainty faced by wheat producers. Producers will receive full payment for milling wheat in storage at the Grain Elevators that had previously been deemed not to meet the standards. The Grain Elevators will also be accepting feed wheat which meets current grade levels. Those few producers who diverted their crop to other uses will have their cases considered on a one-to-one basis. The Grain Elevators will also work with the industry to seek salvage markets for crops destined for destruction.
As well, enrolled producers will receive Production Insurance payments for crops which were well above accepted standards. Approximately 95 percent of the 27,000 acres of wheat was covered by Production Insurance.
“Without minimizing the impact on individual producers, the extent of losses has been greatly exaggerated,” said Mr. Sheridan. “Although it has been a difficult season for many producers, I am confident that the milling wheat industry in this province can continue to progress.”