The Canadian government, Grain Growers of Canada, the Canadian Canola Growers Association, the Western Grain Elevators Association, and the Inland Terminals Association of Canada are working together to fund a $3 million, 5-year study to be headed by Pulse Canada to identify more efficient ways to transport grain to market. Last year’s Canadian grain harvest saw a bumper crop that was up by 20 million tons resulting in a logistics backlog. In many cases tons of wheat and other crops are being piled outside of backlogged grain elevators. Shipping vessels are leaving empty after waiting too long for grain shipments that did not arrive by rail as rail companies place a higher priority on transporting oil, coal, and potash, and some grain companies have stopped placing bids on grain completely because of the logistical problems – all causing increasing frustration among the country’s farmers.
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