OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA — Changes could be under away in time for the 2012 crop year that could remove the Canadian Wheat Board’s marketing monopoly, government officials told reporters on May 18.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said he plans to proceed with legislation that will revamp how farmers sell their grain.


"I think farmers recognize (by) re-electing a strong Conservative majority . . . that we're going to follow through on our commitment to open the wheat board, to modernize the wheat board," he was quoted in news reports.

The goal is to have the changes in place for August 2012, the beginning of the crop marketing year. Ritz told reporters that there will be consultation with farmers.

"We want to assure the farmers there will be clarity and certainty at the end of the day and we want to make sure that it strengthens the farm gate, doesn't detract from it," he said. "I can assure farmers that sooner is on our agenda, not later."