CALGARY, AB: The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association is pleased to see the Hon. Gerry Ritz remain as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in today’s federal cabinet shuffle.
“Minister Ritz has shown great leadership in agriculture, promoting open markets and greater market access for Canadian farmers,” says Levi Wood, President of the Wheat Growers. “We’re very pleased the Prime Minister has seen fit to keep him as the Ag Minister.”
The Wheat Growers note the continuity will allow Minister Ritz to continue important reforms in agriculture, including changes to the wheat variety registration system, the modernization of plant breeders’ rights (e.g. ratification of UPOV 91) and reducing costs and improving services at the Canadian Grain Commission.
“There are still several important files needing attention in agriculture,” says Wood. “Minister Ritz has the knowledge and experience to see these through to a successful conclusion.”
In addition, Minister Ritz has been a strong proponent of trade agreements that enhance market access for Canada’s grain and meat sectors. The Wheat Growers are glad to see Minister Ritz, together with Hon. Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, remain as key players in expanding market opportunities for Canadian farmers.
About the Wheat Growers:
Founded in 1970, the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association is a voluntary farmer-run advocacy organization dedicated to developing public policy solutions that strengthen the profitability and sustainability of farming, and the agricultural industry as a whole. For more information, please visit wheatgrowers.ca.
For More Information Contact:
Levi Wood, President
306-535-2997
lwood@wheatgrowers.ca