The Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA) was formed in 1998 by a group oat producers from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba. Recognizing that oats was the only major grain commodity which did not have a representative support and advocacy group, the goal for POGA was to enhance the profitability of oats for producers.

POGA has long recognized that oat growers are major stakeholders in the oat industry. Many growers use newly developed oat varieties, but for many reasons, they are not involved in either directing or funding research, or in other activities which could advance their industry.

The POGA membership directed its leadership to begin seeking ways to correct that situation. It became evident that oats needed a strong advocacy group which would require stable on-going funding. That’s when a decision was made to explore the check-off option, following which it became clear each province would need to be under a separate check-off protocol.

Surveys of Saskatchewan farmers

In March 2004, with support from ADF in Saskatchewan and the federally-funded CARDS program, a series of eight producer meetings was advertised in local weekly newspapers in established oat-growing locations, and the Western Producer. The series was also promoted on five Saskatchewan radio stations. In addition, ads were run four weeks in the Western Producer, surveying producers on their views about a check-off on oats.

In spring of 2005 a further survey was sent to 7,500 Saskatchewan farmers who identified themselves as oat growers. The overall feedback from those surveys showed a clear majority of those surveyed supported the check off concept.

Although not all agreed, many oat growers said it was important to take charge of their own industry, and to have a strong voice in future decision-making about their industry. Some stated that farmers should have a clear influence on the direction of funding of research priorities and policy.

Government petitioned

In July of 2005 a formal request was made to the Saskatchewan government, through the AgriFood Council. The council later recommended to the minister a check-off be allowed to proceed, and in April 2006 the Saskatchewan Oat Development Commission (SODC) was established by order-in-council, with the authority to collect a 50 cent per metric tonne (approximately one half cent per bushel)  refundable check-off on oats grown in Saskatchewan and sold commercially. The check–off is refundable upon producer request.

What’s next?

The SODC interim directors have set some general priorities for allocation of check-off funds: 55 per cent to market development, 25 per cent to research and 10 per cent to each of policy and education.

Recognizing that research could go well beyond agronomics or varietal development into marketing and/or finding new and novel uses for oats, on December 6, 2006, SODC directors met with researchers, industry and grain handling representatives to discuss options and priorities.

In addition, a forum was held during Crop Week in Saskatoon in January of 2007 where producer input was welcomed.

SODC directors would like to hear from all producers who may want to make a written submission about priorities for allocation of funds. These may be sent either by regular mail to the joint POGA/SODC office, Box 158, Saltcoats, SK S0A 3R0, or by email to POGA@imagewireless.ca.

How does the levy work?

Shortly after the Oat Development Commission was mandated in April 2006, the interim directors met with the people most experienced in collecting check-off levies, the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission (SCDC) in Saskatoon. A specialized staff there, referred to collectively as “levy central”, already has a track record and has developed programs to handle the transactions efficiently.

Once an agreement was reached between the SCDC and the Oat Development Commission, the levy central staff began contacting prospective oat buyers.

In many cases the companies already were involved in collecting other check-offs, but for some it was totally new and required some extra expense and commitment of staff time. However, with surprisingly few kinks through the implementation stage, check-off collection on the sale of Saskatchewan-grown oats began on schedule August 1, 2006.

Once collected, the funds are deposited directly into accounts held by the Oat Development Commission on behalf of farmer members. The interim SODC directors have begun discussions on how best to utilize the funds on behalf of farmers and anticipate direct input from the SODC membership both in written form and verbally.

These can be emailed, faxed or sent by regular mail to the SODC office.