Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
My question is for Mr. Loyns.
You've stated that those people who are in favor of pooling don't really have any justifications and that those who are not don't really have any either.
My question is simple. As an economist, you've probably looked at various scenarios. I'm not an economist but I suppose that, if we were to abolish the Canadian Wheat Board and that a system of voluntary pooling was set up, as a producer I would have to negotiate directly with the big corporations. Is there really any benefit for the producer to be put in such a situation?
I would be surprised if all the producers managed to get the best price individually. I believe that pooling is really necessary. If you're part of a number of producers, you have more negotiating power. As far as I'm concerned, it would be extremely difficult for an individual producer or for a small group to manage to get the best price.
It's not a matter of belief, it's simply a practical matter. I'm sure that you can get a better price when you're part of a group of 1,000 producers than if you're part of a group of 10.