The evolution of the Canadian barley value chain

In 2021, Alberta Barley will be focusing on a major transition of the barley value chain in Canada to more effectively represent barley farmers at the provincial and national level. Alberta Barley’s board of directors has determined that we need to consolidate our efforts, eliminate duplication and reduce costs. In doing so, Alberta Barley has served a notice of our intention to cease funding for the Barley Council of Canada (BCC) effective July 31, 2021.

Currently we have provincial barley commissions and numerous national groups representing the barley industry including BCC, the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) and the Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute of Canada (BMBRI). Provincial barley commissions – particularly Alberta Barley and the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (Sask Barley) – provide the majority of funding to BCC and are also major funders of CMBTC.

Two years ago, certain functions of BCC were contracted to Cereals Canada including communications services and market access efforts including maximum residue limits, pesticide registration and international trade issues such as non-tariff trade barriers. BCC is currently the administrator of the national barley research cluster, therefore the future administration of the cluster will be determined prior to July 31, 2021.

With the aim to align value chain efforts, we have assembled a transitional management team consisting of Peter Watts, managing director of CMBTC; Jill McDonald, executive director of Sask Barley; and Syeda Khurram, chief operating officer of Alberta Barley, who will lead this shift to a new model. This transitional management team will also ensure commitments are fulfilled for this current fiscal.

It is important to acknowledge that the barley industry has evolved. Over time, we have seen changes amongst our value chain to better align with emerging industry needs. The increasing international demand for malt barley created an opportunity for CMBTC to be leaders providing technical expertise and support to key international markets. CMBTC has also added feed barley market development to its portfolio. This approach has proven successful for our market access efforts. The same can be said regarding our national policy advocacy efforts with the Grain Growers of Canada, of which I am an active board member.

We are excited to be leaders progressing our industry forward and finding cost savings to benefit Alberta barley farmers. We are committed to keeping farmers and stakeholders apprised as this transition is taking place over the next few months. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Alberta Barley.