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Canada, Winnipeg: CWB announced on March 2 that farmers, grain traders, academics and policymakers attending the 14th annual GrainWorld conference in Winnipeg this week heard first hand about the global state of agriculture and what the industry can do to adapt to change. "This year, we all recognize that Western Canada's agriculture industry is facing major challenges," said GrainWorld chairman Peter Watts. "This conference gathered people from our industry to consider the outlook and discuss solutions to these challenges. We came away with a better understanding of the environment we're competing in, and that's essential."

Speakers from as far away as Brazil and Belgium attended Canada's premier grains, oilseeds and livestock conference to consider the effects of international trade on agriculture. Antenor Barros Leal, president of Brazilian food processing company Predileto Alimentos, indicated that freer trade and less restrictive markets are necessary for his country's industry to remain strong, especially in light of his country's rising corn and soybean production.

Other speakers examined the future competitiveness of Canada's agriculture industry. Among these was vice president and chief economist with the Conference Board of Canada, Glen Hodgson, who suggested that innovation, investment and education were important to keep the agriculture sector viable.

More than 250 people registered for this year's Grainworld conference. A larger number of farmers attended compared to previous years, arriving from the Prairies and parts of the U.S. to gain some insight onto how to keep their operations profitable in the face of low commodity prices and rising input costs.

The core of GrainWorld lies in its market outlook sessions for wheat, oilseeds, pulse and special crops, coarse grains, barley, beef and pork. These presentations are designed to help participants understand what lies ahead for the next crop year and to encourage sound business decision-making.

"I expect that people who attended this conference are feeling more informed and better prepared to face the future with certainty," said Watts. "We look forward to next year when we'll assess our progress in overcoming the challenges we're currently facing."


05 March, 2005