Category: News

Grain Industry at Risk as Rail Labour Dispute Looms, CMBTC Urges Immediate Action

21/08/2024

August 21, 2024 (Winnipeg, MB) – As farmers across Canada begin harvesting, a looming labour dispute between the nation’s two major freight railways and their unionized workers threatens to disrupt grain transportation, putting the entire grain sector at risk. The Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) urges the government, railways, and labour organizations to act swiftly and use available tools to avert a crisis that could harm farmers, the national economy, global food security and Canada’s reputation as a reliable grain supplier.

“A disruption on even one railway would send shockwaves through our economy, but a complete stoppage would be disastrous for Canada’s grain industry,” said Peter Watts, Managing Director of the CMBTC. With harvest underway and rail systems already under strain, any interruption will severely hinder our ability to meet commitments to both domestic and international buyers.”

Canada’s ability to deliver high-quality grains relies on efficient rail service. By the end of August, 50 per cent of Western Canada’s barley crop will be harvested, much of it destined for export as malting barley and processed malt. A rail service shutdown would disrupt the entire grain supply chain, causing grain elevators and processing plants to reach capacity quickly and forcing farmers to halt deliveries. This would lead to significant cash flow problems, operational challenges, and long-term damage to Canada’s standing as a dependable global supplier.

“This isn’t just about delays—it’s about livelihoods, sector stability, and the health of our national economy. Even a brief disruption might seem manageable, but the resulting backlogs could take months to clear, causing long-term damage,” Watts added.

The CMBTC strongly urges the government, rail companies and labour unions to use every available resource to prevent a rail service stoppage. “Allowing unnecessary labour disputes to jeopardize our global reputation and national prosperity is simply unacceptable,” says Watts.

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For more information, please contact: 

Hayley Stacey

Manager, Markets and Communications

hstacey@cmbtc.com

204-804-3333

CMBTC to Strengthen International Partnerships With Seminar in China 

24/05/2024

May 24, 2024 (Winnipeg, MB) – The Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) is pleased to announce the 2024 Canada-China Barley Seminar, convening in Qingdao, China, from June 19 to 20, 2024. This seminar aims to foster direct engagement between the Canadian barley value chain and Chinese maltsters and brewers, strengthening relationships with a key market for Canadian barley. 

“This seminar offers a unique platform for the Canadian barley value chain to engage directly with Chinese maltsters and brewers, covering critical aspects of Canadian barley supply and quality, production practices and sustainability,” states Jon White, Chair of the CMBTC. “China is a key market for Canadian barley. This event is pivotal in showcasing our superior quality to our end users.”

The seminar will highlight Canada’s barley value chain, including farmers, representatives from our world-class barley breeding programs and grain company suppliers who will speak to our sustainable growing practices, best-in-class malting barley varieties and our systems to source and deliver the highest-quality malting barley in the world. Together, these pillars constitute Canada’s premium value proposition and drive the industry’s continuous advancement. 

“In today’s competitive global market, seizing opportunities to foster trusted and mutually beneficial relationships at home and around the world is crucial,” says Peter Watts, Managing Director of the CMBTC. “End users are keenly interested in the systems and standards that distinguish Canada’s malting supply, quality and performance. This seminar has been tailored to address the evolving needs and interests of international end users, who seek products that will meet their current and future needs, as well as insights into the Canadian system.” 

The Canada-China Barley Seminar aligns with the CMBTC’s ongoing efforts to engage with international partners, complementing the annual summer crop tour and international new crop seminars held each fall.

“It’s an exciting time at the CMBTC,” White says. “As we look to celebrate our 25th anniversary next year, we are committed to offering a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian barley value chain to our customers and remain dedicated to promoting its exceptional work.” 

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For more information, please contact:

About the CMBTC – The CMBTC is an independent, national industry association supporting Canada’s full barley value chain. Our goal is to strengthen Canada’s role as a world leader in supplying high-quality barley and malt to the domestic and global market and to ensure a thriving, competitive and sustainable Canadian barley industry.