The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) today extended congratulations to the new board of directors and executive of Cereals Canada resulting from the amalgamation of Cereals Canada and the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi).

AWC Chair Todd Hames, who farms near Marwayne, Alberta has been elected Chair of the new organization that establishes a platform for a unified value chain approach to enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian cereals crops through market development, customer support, market access and innovation initiatives.

“From strengthening our global grain markets to ensuring our customers are supported with the technical information that sets Canadian grain apart from our competitors, the combined value under the new Cereals Canada model gives Canadian farmers a competitive edge,” said Hames. “I am honoured to take on a leadership role in this historic era and look forward being part of building our path forward.”

The other members of the executive committee are Jennifer Marchand of Cargill (Vice Chair), Robert Misko of Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers (Treasurer) and Jean-Marc Ruest of Richardson (Secretary).

The new governance model of Cereals Canada is a true collaboration with an equal number of farmer and industry directors on the 16-member board and an equal share of funding.  AWC Vice-Chair Hannah Konschuh, who farms near Cluny, Alberta is also a director of the new organization.

The amalgamated organization will operate under the Canada Cereals name while Cigi will maintain its brand as a division within the new organization. Cigi serves an independent technical source on Canadian grain milling, quality, and end-use expertise for domestic and international customers.

The Board Members of the newly-formed Cereals Canada are:

• Todd Hames, Alberta Wheat Commission
• Jean-Marc Ruest, Richardson
• Hannah Konschuh, Alberta Wheat Commission
• Jeff Cockwill, Viterra
• Brett Halstead, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission
• Jennifer Marchand, Cargill
• Jake Leguee, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission
• Darren Amerongen, Parrish and Heimbecker
• Glenn Tait, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission
• Matt Bingham, G3
• Robert Misko, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association
• Trish Jorden, Bayer
• Drew Baker, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association
• Jeff Bertholet, BASF
• Henry Van Ankum, Grain Farmers of Ontario
• Adam Dyck, Warburtons 

AWC was a founding member of Cereals Canada in 2013 and Greg Porozni, a former AWC director who farms near Mundare, Alberta, served as its first chair.