“For several years, we’ve seen significant challenges in wheat production—across Western Canada wheat production is declining while worldwide demand is growing,” says Kent Erickson, co-chairman of the steering committee for an Alberta all-wheat commission. “It’s crucial for Alberta producers to be competitive if wheat is going to remain a profitable and preferred crop.”

Steering committee co-chair Lynn Jacobson says the proposed Alberta Wheat Commission would contribute to wheat’s competitiveness by representing the interests of Alberta producers across all wheat classes.

As well, the commission would provide leadership that improves the demand, agronomic competitiveness and profitability of Alberta-produced wheat and contributes to policy development and advocacy initiatives that strengthen capacity and encourage investment in the wheat industry.

From now until early 2012, steering committee members will meet with wheat producers from across the province to present plans for the proposed commission.

The committee will measure producer support, respond to producer feedback and then, in the spring of 2012, seek approval for the commission from the minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

For an overview of the proposed Alberta Wheat Commission, download the brochure below, or go to the website.