How's things coming for the ABP pow wow?

[gwf]

I do support a producer funded packing initiative, 100%, and I do not disagree with anything that has been said on the topic, but I think this concept is being blind sided when you take into account what is really happening. We are hearing on a regular basis from the Ministers of Agriculture and our Industry leaders that we need additional packing capacity. We are not hearing that this capacity should be from a producer initiative; and as a matter of fact we re not hearing where it is coming from, other than the expansion of exiting plants and maybe the new comer, Sunterra. If you add this total expansion capacity to what presently exists, it will be very close to adding one very large plant. The only difference will be that it will be adding capacity to an existing infrastructure, which is far less costly and timely than building from scratch. Therefore, when you hear from the leadership that we need additional capacity, we are in fact seeing this happen before our eyes.

This is why I ask the question…. What do you want ABP to do, because they are already participating in the expansion mode of the packing capacity, directly or indirectly, depending on your interpretation of “participating”.

The question that should be put to ABP is concerning a plebiscite among producers; to determine if there is genuine support for an equity levy to finance a producer owned facility. This is a business decision that producers will have to make on their own and if supported by a large majority of producers, then this will go a long way in seeing the concept become a reality. If the producers do not favor the concept, then we should put it to bed.

[pandiana]

New Developments!
Resolutions will be entertained after all. Because there is the bi-annual meeting coming up resoltions will voted on at this meeting and then carried forward to the June meeting. You will be asked to have them written down.

There will be plenty of time written questions immediately following the speakers.

Following the question period, resolutions will be read, and voted on. There will be a maximum of 3 minute debate for debate.

Because this is calving time, it is hoped that the meeting will wrap up by 10.

See you there.

[farmers_son]

I am impressed by that. Hopefully it will encourage producers to attend. Good luck with your meeting.

[grassfarmer]

Farmers_son - A welcome gesture but what use is it now? Given that the majority of producers won't know the meeting is on let alone that a few hours before it starts the rules are changed to allow resolutions? Still it gives those of us that are interested an opportunity to share our views.