The Wheat Growers Association is a farm advocacy organization dedicated to developing ag policy solutions that strengthen the profitability and sustainability of farming and the agricultural industry. We’re also a not-for-profit organization, and therefore rely on memberships and donations to drive our advocacy efforts. Without these funds we would not be able to effectively develop policy initiatives and solicit the necessary industry and political leaders for change.
What We’ve Done
Starting in 1970, the first public policy objective was to obtain protein premiums on wheat. Since then, the Wheat Growers have been instrumental in achieving many key policy goals for prairie farmers and the ag sector, including:
- Elimination of inter-provincial boundaries on feed grains.
- Removal of quotas on canola, flax, and feed grains.
- Separate pool and grade classes for malt barley.
- Protein premiums on wheat and finer protein increments.
- The introduction of CPS types of wheat.
- Creation of the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for streamlined pesticide registration applications.
- Removal of oats from the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB).
- Freer trade with US, Mexico, and Europe, for example, the CPTPP agreement.
- Pre-harvest glyphosate.
- Plant breeder’s rights, leading to greater development of new crop varieties.
- Grain transportation reform.
- CWB pricing options.
- Elimination of Kernel Visual Distinguishability (KVD) as criteria for registration of new wheat varieties.
- Grain marketing freedom including the elimination of the CWB which has led to significant investment in new grain handling facilities in Western Canada.
- Extension of the rail interswitching distance from 30 km to 160 km, creating the opportunity for greater rail competition.
What We’re Doing
The Wheat Growers are continually seeking opportunities to help better the wheat industry and improve your business. We work with industry leaders and target policy makers, advocating on behalf of our members. Today, the Wheat Growers support the following initiatives:
- Open and competitive markets.
- A commercial and efficient grain handling and transportation system.
- Agricultural innovations that add value, enhance competitiveness, and increase net returns to farmers.
- Sound, science-based environmental and food safety policies.
- Greater operating freedom to manage our farm businesses in a profitable and sustainable manner.
- Elimination of production-distorting subsidies.
- Removal of barriers to market access.
Benefits of Being a Member
- Giving you a voice for agricultural issues that impact your farm and business.
- Advocacy on your behalf so you can focus on running your farm.
- Access to Wheat Growers’ events and discounted rates for the Annual Convention.
- Pride and strength from being part of a reputable association (we are happy to provide you with Wheat Growers decals to display on your vehicle and/or business).
- Exclusive offers for members only.
What Being a Member Can Do For You
Premier Scott Moe thanks the Wheat Growers’ members for their advocacy, policy efforts and for being the “voice of reason and common sense”.
Director Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel talks about who the Wheat Growers are, what we do for our members every day and why membership to the Association is important.
MP John Barlow thanks the Wheat Growers’ members for being vocal on issues that matter, like the carbon tax, and making a difference.
Yes, I Want to Become a Member
Memberships are charged on an annual basis and will be automatically renewed each year. A reminder email will be sent to the address provided when processing your payment. Should you wish to make changes to your membership you can do so at that time.
An account will also be automatically created for you and you can access the details of that account and make changes on the My Membership Account page. Memberships are non-refundable. When you become a member you will be automatically added to our electronic mailing list.
Agri-Business and Farm memberships are for the company/farm; you may add additional members from the same company/farm for no additional fee.
