The Department of Agriculture and Forestry, in cooperation with the Prince Edward Island Grain Elevators Corporation, is undertaking a study to evaluate the Corporation's role, its relationship to the agriculture industry and its future direction.
"The Grain Elevators Corporation provides major services and facilities to the grain and livestock industry in this province. Through the successful introduction of the new pooling system, and investments in facilities such as the soybean extruder, the Grain Elevators has consistently adapted to the needs of the industry," said Eric Hammill, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. "This study will evaluate how well it is fulfilling its intended role and what changes may be needed to improve its services."
"We are looking forward to undertaking this study in cooperation with the department," said Allan Ling, Chairman of the Corporation. "There has been no review of this kind since the Corporation was established, and it will provide the basis to jointly examine new opportunities and our long-term direction."
Mr. Hammill said the department regularly conducts reviews of its programs to measure their effectiveness. "Many changes are taking place in the production, marketing and feeding of grains and oilseeds, and we want to determine how best the Corporation can serve the needs of the industry," said the minister.
The Grain Elevators Corporation was established as a crown corporation in 1977. It provides storage, cleaning and drying facilities for grains and oilseeds, extrudes soybeans and markets soybean meal. It is the largest buyer and seller of grains and oilseeds in the province.