Ross Ravelli, President of the Grain Growers of Canada is pleased with Stats Can figures released today showing strong growth in farm cash receipts, especially in the grains and oilseedssector, during the first half of 2007.

“A 25% jump year to date over last year is certainly welcome news and
putting optimism back into our industry,” said Ravelli. “Between biofuels
and overall strong demand, we are seeing strength in grain prices that we
haven’t seen in some time.”

“However, it is critical that we continue to work at some of the key fundamentals that have caused us problems over the past several years,
namely:

• Grain transportation and the inability to get grain in place for
  premium prices,
• Safety nets with a lack of predictability,
• Marketing choice where barley prices rose dramatically with the
  announcement of choice and plummeted when it was cancelled, and
• Trade barriers and tariffs on our products.

Unless we solve some these key issues, this bubble of good times may not
last long,” said Ravelli.

Statistics Canada today releases the farm cash income for the first six
months of 2007.

“The Grain Growers of Canada strongly believes that as much as possible,
producers want to make their living from the marketplace,” said Richard
Phillips, Executive Director, Grain Growers of Canada.

“While the current numbers look good, these tend to move in cycles and it is
more important than ever, that producers, industry and government continue
to work on progressive policies that will limit the downside and strengthen
farmer’s ability to manage their risks and earn a fair return.”

The Grain Growers of Canada represents the interests of 70,000 Canadian
grains and oilseed producers through its member organizations: Alberta
Barley Commission, Alberta Oat Rye and Triticale Association, Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission, Atlantic Grains Council, British Columbia Grain Producers Association, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Manitoba Corn Growers Association, Western Barley Growers Association, and Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association.

For more information on the Grain Growers, please visit www.ggc-pgc.ca