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CIGI announces new board, new funding model

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The Canadian International Grains Institute has elected its new board members and has ushered in a new funding model

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Winnipeg – The Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) announced in a statement on its website that it has a new board of directors and a new funding model for the organization.

CIGI held its annual general meeting in late June where it elected its new board, says the statement. The board includes:

Kevin Bender of the Alberta Wheat Commission is the new chair
Brent Watchorn of Richardson International Limited is the new vice-chair
Jim Smolik of Cargill Canada is the new secretary
Drew Baker of Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association; Harvey Brooks and Bill Gehl of Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission; Trent Rude of Viterra; Jean-Marc Ruest of Richardson International Limited; Gary Stanford of Alberta Wheat Commission; and Ward Weisensel of G3 Canada Limited are all new directors

In the statement, CIGI explains that its board structure “reflects a new funding formula, which will see the three wheat commissions and seven grain exporters/handlers provide core funding totally $7.7 million over the next two years.”

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The Alberta Wheat Commission, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association will now fund CIGI through their respective single wheat check-offs, says the statement.

Previously, CIGI received funding through the farmer check-off through the Western Canadian Deduction. This model will cease on July 31, 2017.

The grain companies, which will be funding CIGI, are: Viterra; Richardson International Limited; Cargill Canada; Parrish and Heimbecker, Limited; Paterson Grain; G3 Canada Limited; and Inland Terminal Association of Canada.

In the statement JoAnne Buth, CIGI’s CEO, says the new funding model “represents the culmination of months of consultations involving the value chain.”

Buth adds that CIGI is pleased with the outcome. “The provincial wheat commissions and the grain companies and handlers developed a consensus on a sustainable funding and governance model for CIGI,” she says in the statement.

“This is an important milestone in CIGI’s 45-year history and we look forward to working with the new board to ensure CIGI remains a strong asset to the Canadian grain industry.”

 


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