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The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) is calling on the Federal Government to use all necessary tools to ensure that the parties involved in the Grain Workers Union (GWU) strike at Vancouver Port reach an agreement as soon as possible.
The GWU, set to enter a strike condition on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, issued a strike notice on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The work stoppage will affect a negotiating unit comprising approximately 650 grain workers. This strike will completely halt operations at the following bulk grain Export terminals in Vancouver: Alliance Grain Terminal, Cascadia Terminal, Cargill, G3 Terminal, Pacific Elevators, and Richardson International.
Sask Wheat represents around 24,000 wheat and winter cereal producers in Saskatchewan, and timely, responsive, and efficient Supply Chains are essential for their competitiveness and profitability. Saskatchewan produces nearly half of Canada’s annual hard red spring wheat and 80% of durum wheat, most of which is transported by rail to ports and then to Export markets.
Jake Leguee, Chair of Sask Wheat, stated, “Vancouver Port is critical to Canada’s grain supply chain, with 70% of Western Canada’s grain shipments being exported through Vancouver.” According to the Canadian Grain Commission, these terminals receive approximately 100,000 metric tons of grain daily, and a work stoppage could result in the loss of a daily Export potential of $35 million.
Leguee noted, “A work stoppage at terminal elevators will further increase congestion in Western Canada’s grain handling and transportation system.” He added, “Another work stoppage will stretch the recovery process even further at a critical time for grain shipments as we approach the end of the harvest season.”
If grain companies cannot ship grain to Vancouver terminal elevators, domestic elevators will fill up, negatively impacting farmers’ abilities to deliver grain and affecting their cash flow. This situation will significantly impact farmers during the fall season, a time when many are required to make loan payments and plan for expenses related to next year’s crop. Another work stoppage in our grain handling and transportation system could further damage Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality grain in international markets, with future repercussions for sales and global competitiveness.
Sask Wheat is an organization representing producers, advocating for approximately 24,000 wheat and winter cereal producers in Saskatchewan. Based in Saskatoon, Sask Wheat leads research, market development, and advocacy initiatives, contributing to profitable and sustainable wheat and winter cereal production for Saskatchewan farmers.
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Source: Tarım Haberleri
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.
