Canadian grain working group issues transportation-improvement recommendations

The Crop Logistics Working Group (CLWG) recently drafted its final report, which identifies ways to improve the grain handling and transportation system in Canada.

The working group includes various agriculture organizations in the nation's grain sector. The report is a consensus among the organizations and consolidates the broadest agriculture-related recommendations to strengthen the grain supply chain, said Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz in a press release.

The report includes eight key recommendations, including enhanced transparency in the rail market; the continued assessment of grain movement volumes; enhancements in the level-of-service process; enhanced powers for the Canadian Transportation Agency; and increased protection and support for producer car and other small shippers. The recommendations will be submitted on behalf of the CLWG to the Canada Transportation Act review panel.

"The input provided by the CLWG supports our government's commitment to improving the transportation system so that farmers' products get to market quickly and efficiently," said Ritz. "Working with industry to strengthen the entire supply chain ensures Canada's grain sector is well positioned for long-term growth and sustainability."

The report was the third and final mandated action for the group, which also has provided input for the Rail Freight Service Review implementation process and worked on improving supply-chain performance for all crops.