On December 12 and 13 the University of Saskatchewan Department of Bioresource Policy, Business and Economics will host a conference on issues arising from passage of Bill C-18, the bill to end the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly.
The conference, Operating Successfully in a New Grain Marketing Environment: Issues Facing Farmers, Agribusiness and Government, is also supported by the University of Manitoba, University of Lethbridge, University of Alberta and the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.
With the changes that are underway in the grain industry, the status quo will not be viable. All the participants in the grain system will have to respond and adapt. The conference will examine the areas most likely to see change and will provide specific suggestions on how industry participants can respond.
Conference sessions include:
* How would a voluntary Canadian Wheat Board operate?
* What is the most effective design for futures markets in wheat, durum and barley? What are the fundamentals of an efficient futures market?
* What will happen to rail freight rates and level of service?
* How would grain-related trade disputes be addressed?
* How would wheat quality be affected and managed?
* How do we effectively use the ports of Churchill and Prince Rupert?
* How would producer cars and short line railways be used in the new system?
* How will grain logistics and crisis management be handled?
More information including agenda and registration is available at the conference website, www.kis.usask.ca/GrainConference.html
