CANADA— GrainsConnect Canada (GCC) has partnered with the United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative (UFA) to offer a new pilot program for canola growers in an effort to maximise their returns.

The new program gives canola growers the opportunity to increase returns on their 2021 canola crop with a discount of up to C$12 per bag on UFA seed and C$5 per/MT above posted bids from GCC.

In a statement, President of GCC, Warren Stow said that his company is focused on providing grain growers with more choice, more competition and more value for their grain.

“We’re excited to partner with UFA and extend an opportunity to their members to access global markets and receive a competitive return,” Stow added.

Under the pilot program, growers through a UFA account manager will have access access to canola varieties, carefully selected for growing conditions in their area, along with the supporting inputs to maximize yields.

Growers also will receive a rebate of up to $12 per bag, in addition to any grower reward programs they may qualify for.

“Signing a production contract with GCC ensures competitive market pricing and a C$5/MT premium on matching acres of canola seed,” GCC said in statement.

Scott Bolton, president and chief executive officer of UFA said his association was proud to partner with GCC, a company which shared similar values and a commitment to local communities.

 “Through our joint efforts, we will be able to provide greater support and returns for local growers,” Bolton added.

“We’re excited to partner with UFA and extend an opportunity to their members to access global markets and receive a competitive return.”

Warren Stow – President GrainConnect Canada

The pilot program is currently only available through the GrainsConnect Canada Huxley terminal for the 2021 growing season.

“As a co-operative, UFA is committed to delivering exceptional value to our members,” said Rob Giguere, vice president of Commercial Agribusiness at UFA.

 “With the introduction of this pilot program, canola growers will receive expert advice and support from the moment they purchase seed at UFA continuing right through to market with GCC.”

GrainsConnect Canada is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is a joint-venture of Australia-based grain logistics company GrainCorp and Japanese agricultural cooperative Zen-Noh Group.

In an ambition to become the premier grain supply chains provider in North America, GrainsConnect Canada has been increasingly expanding its capacity.

Last year, the company opened its fourth terminal Huxley, Alberta, Canada with capacity to load over 130 rail cars in under 14 hours.

In addition to the company’s inland storage terminals and rail infrastructure, GrainsConnect Canada and GrainCorp have established a port solution with the construction of the Fraser Grain Terminal, to be located at the Port of Vancouver.

GrainsConnect Canada has also signed an agreement with Parrish & Heimbecker (P&H) to make Fraser Grain Terminal a 50-50 joint venture.

The facility will have capacity to export up to 4 million tonnes of wheat, barley, oilseeds, pulses and other commodities per annum.

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