Canada: Manitoba farmers support CWB monopoly

Farmers in Manitoba are voicing support for the Canadian Wheat Board's monopoly on wheat and barley sales, Radioowensound communicated January 17.

About 62 per cent of farmers who cast ballots in a symbolic plebiscite held by the Manitoba government say they favour for the monopoly on barley.

Manitoba Ag Minister Rosann Wowchuk says the farmers are telling the federal government to stop "acting like dictators and really listen to producers.''

The Canadian Wheat Board wants a court to fast-track the board's challenge of a government order it says will muzzle it during an upcoming barley plebiscite.

Board lawyer John McDougall says the matter must be dealt with soon or it won't be able to give farmers all the facts as they prepare to vote on its barley monopoly.

19 January, 2007