Canada: CWB implements online service to assist barley and other prairie farmers

Barley farmers as well as other prairie farmers will be invited to help themselves to an array of useful information and services through the CWB Internet and e-mail at this season's agriculture trade shows, CWB announced on November 10.

"We're committed to using our CWB booths to put as much useful information in farmers' hands as possible," said Deanna Allen, vice-president of Farmer Relations and Public Affairs. "This season, that's going to mean -- among other things - showing farmers how CWB electronic services work, then signing them up.

"There's a lot that can be done online now. Producers can sign up a contract, check advances and access useful, streamlined information in one click through MyCWB e-mail newsletter."

Farmers who drop by a CWB booth will be able to sign up a contract on the spot. As well, CWB farm business reps will be available for one-on-one discussions about CWB programs such as the new Producer Payment Options (PPOs).

"We'll have results of the 2005 Variety Survey to distribute; that's very useful information for farmers," said Allen.

"We also want to share information on the effect that the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations could have on the CWB. Farmers need to know what's at stake there and they need to make their views known."

Farmers will be invited to sign a mail-in card to Agriculture Minister Andy Mitchell, urging Canada to ensure farmer interests are advanced at the WTO. The CWB will have booths at agriculture trade shows throughout the prairies during the fall and winter. These include:

Agri-Trade in Red Deer, AB, Nov. 9-12;
Morris Harvest Showdown in Yorkton, SK, Nov. 10-12;
Canadian Western Agribition, Regina, SK, Nov. 21-26;
Western Canadian Crop Production Show, Saskatoon, SK, Jan. 9-12;
Manitoba Ag Days, Brandon, MB, Jan. 17-19;
FarmTech 2005 in Edmonton, AB, Jan. 25-28;
Camrose Regional Exhibition in Camrose, AB, Feb. 9-10;
Ag Expo, Lethbridge, AB, Mar. 2-5; and
Peace Country Classic Agri-show in Grande Prairie, AB, Mar. 9-11.

Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. As one of Canada's biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based organization sells to over 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to Prairie farmers.

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