Farmers also made it clear they wanted more flexibility from the Canadian Wheat Board in the market options it offers to producers. A balance was struck in the amendments made to the CWB act in 1998 that retained the Canadian Wheat Board's single desk seller status, while allowing the Canadian Wheat Board additional flexibility in how it markets the grain of producers.
The board of directors consults widely with producers to determine their views on some of the various pricing options now allowed. The board of directors has approved the Canadian Wheat Board offering farmers cash trading and early pool cash outs, whereby a producer can take full settlement earlier.
These payment options provide farmers with greater marketing and cash management flexibility. In fact, the Canadian Wheat Board recently announced enhancements to its producer payment options program for the 2001-02 crop year which provinces a wide range of new pricing options to help farmers meet their individual business needs.
As well, changes made by the government in the way western grains and oilseeds are moved from prairie farms to port are having a positive impact.