Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced the creation of two committees tasked with establishing wheat and barley commissions in Saskatchewan.

“Industry asked our government to help start this process, to bring together key partners and work with them to put together a plan for the future of wheat and barley levies in our province,” Stewart said. “I am pleased the industry is coming together to help move this initiative forward.”

Previously, wheat and barley check-offs were collected by the Canadian Wheat Board. With new market freedom, Saskatchewan producers will have an opportunity to direct how check-offs from the sale of wheat and barley grown in Saskatchewan will be used for research and development through the new commission.

“Saskatchewan is a leader in wheat and barley production and these commissions will help direct research to keep producers at the forefront of the industry,” Stewart said.

The two committees will work with the ministry, the Agri-Food Council and a private consultant to help establish the commissions. These interim committees will remain in place only until elections are held for the boards of directors to run the respective commissions. It is expected that the wheat and barley commissions will be in place and operational by August 2013.