WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — The Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) elected new members to its board during the annual general meeting on June 21.

Trent Rude, Viterra Inc., was elected as chair replacing Kevin Bender, Alberta Wheat Commission, whose term ended.

“I’m so excited to take on the role of chair and to work with the other board members in providing direction so that the objectives of Cigi’s strategic plan can be achieved,” Rude said. “I would also like to thank outgoing board members Kevin Bender, Shane Paterson, Jim Smolik and Brent Watchorn for their dedication to Cigi over their terms on the board.”

Others elected include Drew Baker, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association, who was elected as vice-chair, Hannah Konschuh, Alberta Wheat Commission, elected secretary replacing Brent Watchorn, Richardson International and Jim Smolik, Cargill Canada. Newly elected to the board was Carsten Bredin, Richardson International, Joseph Christiansen, Cargill Canada and Dean McQueen, Viterra Inc.

Cigi is governed by a board of directors comprised of representation from the provincial wheat commissions and the grain handlers and exporters, including:

  • Trent Rude, Viterra Inc. – chair
  • Drew Baker, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association - vice-chair
  • Hannah Konschuh, Alberta Wheat Commission – secretary
  • Carsten Bredin, Richardson International - director
  • Joseph Christianson, Cargill Canada - director
  • Bill Gehl, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission – director
  • Dean McQueen, Viterra Inc. - director
  • Laura Reiter, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission – director
  • Jean-Marc Ruest, Richardson International – director
  • Gary Stanford, Alberta Wheat Commission – director

Cigi is an independent market development institute created in 1972. More than 43,000 people representing grain, oilseed, pulse and special crops industries from 115 countries have participated in Cigi programs and seminars. Cigi’s mission is to be the trusted independent source for milling, quality and end-use functionality expertise for millers and end users of Canadian grain to increase market opportunities and end-user success.

Cigi is funded by farmers, grain handlers and exporters with support from the government of Canada and industry partners.