Canada introduces changes to CGA to modernise grain industry

The Canadian government on Monday (Feb 23) introduced amendments to the Canada Grain Act (CGA) to modernise the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) in order to better reflect the current realities facing grain farmers.

Canadian agriculture minister Gerry Ritz said they are delivering real action the farmers so that they can continue to fuel the economy and remain competitive both at home and abroad.

Ritz said they are looking forward to make sure the CGC continues to meet the needs of farmers and the entire industry.

The proposed changes to the CGA and CGC are consistent with the goals expressed in the government's Growing Forward framework for Agriculture.

They will contribute to building a lower-cost, more effective and innovative grain sector.

The proposed changes are based on recommendations of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food following a public, comprehensive and independent review of the CGA and the CGC in 2006.

Stakeholders were consulted extensively and given many opportunities to provide input throughout the review process.