CLAIMS UNFOUNDED

Re: Sad anniversary (SP, Aug. 9). Eric Sagan makes some wildly false claims, grasping at straws in his attempt to suggest the return to an open market in wheat and barley has not been positive for Prairie farmers.

Contrary to his claims, farmers are now reaping the benefits of marketing freedom, earning higher returns and enjoying much greater flexibility in the delivery and pricing of our grain than we ever did under the Canadian Wheat Board monopoly. We are now receiving better grades and have far more competitive options in selling our grain.

Not surprisingly, a recent survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business found that 81 per cent of Prairie farmers say the move to an open market has had a positive impact on their business.

Sagan falsely accuses the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association of being publicly funded. We receive no government funding, and instead earn our support through voluntary contributions from farmers who share our passion for open and competitive markets.

The move to an open market has been a tremendous success, and no fabricated claims from Sagan or others will change that. Levi Wood President, WCWGA