Canadian Wheat Board District 2 director Jeff Nielsen has resigned from his position.
Nielsen announced his decision in a letter to wheat producers and media on Oct. 31, saying it was effective immediately.
While Nielsen calls his decision regretful and difficult, he stated in the letter that he had little option but to resign from the CWB since he is committed to representing the interests and view of producers.
“As I noted in my letter of resignation to Allen Oberg, the chairman of the Canadian Wheat Board, I cannot condone his and other directors' continued lack of understanding and respect to producers in Western Canada,” Nielsen wrote.
“This lack of understanding and respect was apparent at what should have been informative, forward-moving producer meetings this past summer, yet Oberg and other directors' personal fight to maintain the status quo has prevailed.”
Nielsen said he believes that the CWB could play an important role.
“The CWB has an opportunity to move forward and adapt with farmers to help them compete in the global marketplace,” he wrote.
“Oberg and the other directors committed to the status quo have instead chosen a path of self-destruction. It is truly an unfortunate day for producers of wheat and barley.”
Nielsen also condemns the board's decision to take legal action against the federal government.
“Our counsel and our external counsel said that such a challenge would be fruitless and would have little to no effect or the government moving ahead with Bill C-18,” he wrote.
“The board's decision shows a total disrespect for producers and the stable government infrastructure that underpins our society.”
Nielsen's resignation is the second in less than a week. Fairview farmer Henry Vos resigned from his board position last week.
