Canada's NDP

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March 20th, 2012

Protect Canadian grain farmers, don't sell them out

Farmers face shrinking market for their grain because of shortsighted Conservative bill

OTTAWA – New Democrats are calling for protections for Canadian farmers in light of today’s announcement that Viterra’s Canadian assets will be sold off to Glencore, Agrium and Richardson. This unprecedented takeover would drastically reduce farmers’ choices for marketing, processing and handling their grains.

NDP critic for Agriculture and Agri-Food Malcolm Allen voiced his concerns. “Consolidating the grain industry into the hands of a few companies hurts Canadian farmers. We’re calling for the Conservative government to review any deal to make sure that Canadian jobs and farmers are protected.”

“We want to make sure that our Canadian grain farmers will get a good deal, and their choices to market their grains will be protected. Now, more than ever, farmers’ bargaining power will be reduced, all because the Conservatives were so quick to get rid of the Canadian Wheat Board.”