Project to determine cost competitiveness of Canadian grain producers internationally

SASKATOON, March 8, 2013 /CNW/ - A new project will find out how cost-competitive Canadian grain producers are on factors influencing cost of production versus producers in competing countries. The Farmers of North America Strategic Agriculture Institute (FNA-STAG) is leading the work, together with its partners, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The primary objective of the research is providing a comprehensive analysis of the international cost-competitiveness of Canada's grain producers and facilitating an enhanced understanding of the advantages and disadvantages Canadian grain farmers have/face on their farms compared to major competitor countries.  The project will deliver analysis on cost-competitiveness that will help primary producers identify areas of strength and weakness that can be exploited or addressed.

A project Advisory Group has been formed, and includes representatives from FCC, Grain Growers of Canada, Manitoba Canola Growers, Canadian Federation of Agriculture and FNA-STAG Board of Directors.

"Our government is pleased to support research and innovation that allows producers to increase their competitiveness and help boost the Canadian economy," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

Project Advisory Group member, and FCC Marketing Senior Vice-President Lyndon Carlson, is excited to see the results. "FCC is pleased to be working with and supporting FNA-STAG on this project. Canada has the best grain producers in the world, and we're happy to be involved in helping farmers better understand their competition and where they excel or could potentially improve."

Work on the project has begun, and is expected to be complete by the end of 2013. "FNA-STAG's role is to provide information on improving farm profitability where there are gaps. Knowing how our farmers compare on the costs they have on their farms is an area that we have found there to be a lack of information", says Bob Friesen, CEO of FNA-STAG. "We're pleased to have the support of FCC and CAAP, and look forward to working with them and the rest of our Advisors in the coming months."

Farmers of North America Strategic Agriculture Institute (FNA-STAG) is a not-for-profit organization with the single mission of "Improving Farm Profitability."

Funding for this project has been provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Saskatchewan, this program is delivered by the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan.

SOURCE: FNA Strategic Agriculture Institute

For further information:

Bob Friesen  |  CEO, FNA-STAG  |  [phone] / [phone]
Media Relations  |  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada  |  613-773-7972 / 1-866-345-7972
Jeff English  |  Press Secretary, The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz  |  613-773-1059