Progress has been made towards the potential merger of five of the province's commodity organizations.

The working group exploring the merger has announced the hiring of advisory firm Synthesis Agri-Food Network to begin the precursory process.

“We received many good proposals from qualified firms, but we are confident Synthesis will be able to hit the ground running, building on the progress we have already made with respect to working together,” says Monika Haley, administrator at Manitoba Flax Growers Association. “Synthesis’s outcomes were very clear and its timelines were in keeping with our commitment to progress and member feedback.  Rob Hannam and his team further strengthen our ability to continue working through the process of a potential merger of commodity groups.

The commodity organizations involved include the Manitoba Corn Growers Association, Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers, Manitoba Flax Growers Association, National Sunflower Association of Canada and the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association.