Good morning, members of Parliament, staff, and fellow guests.
My name is Monique McTiernan. I am the executive director of the Atlantic Grains Council, and until recently I was also the chief grain grader of the New Brunswick Grain Commission. I live in Riverview, New Brunswick.
Since its incorporation in 1984, the Atlantic Grains Council has been the only voice representing maritime grain and oilseed producers on regional and national issues. Council members consist of grain and oilseed producers, processors, handlers, traders, input suppliers, shippers, and researchers. The council is also a founding member of the Grain Growers of Canada.
To improve the competitiveness of maritime agriculture, there are a couple of key issues we need to address. These issues were identified and prioritized at our recent Atlantic grain and oilseeds strategy workshop.