Winnipeg, Manitoba
February 7, 2003

Over the past two days, farmer delegates attending Agricore United's annual members' meeting debated resolutions on a wide range of policy issues affecting the agricultural industry.

The delegates passed a total of 16 resolutions including a resolution opposing the federal government's recent decision to ratify and implement the Kyoto Protocol. Another resolution called on the federal government to ensure farmers do not bear the costs of the Protocol, and to ensure they receive credit for carbon conservation measures taken on their farms.

Delegates also called for increased competition among railways by passing a resolution in support of open running rights. This affirmed a position that was adopted by delegates at the Company's 1st annual members' meeting, held in November, 2001.

During the meeting, delegates had an opportunity to hear a presentation from the federal government regarding proposed changes to farm safety nets. Several delegates raised concerns about planned changes to the NISA program. The delegate body passed resolutions calling on the federal government to maintain NISA in its present form, with the exception of changes that would allow farmers to trigger payouts as they see fit and that would improve the program for beginning farmers.

Delegates also passed three resolutions relating to the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB). Delegates supported a resolution calling on Agricore United to maintain a neutral position on the question of the CWB monopoly. They also called on the CWB to cut its operating costs and to eliminate spending on self-promotion. Delegates also supported a resolution seeking improvements to the pricing of hard red winter wheat.

Delegates also spoke about the recent trade action initiated by the United States against the CWB and called on the federal government to seek changes in world trade rules that would require countries launching unsuccessful trade challenges to pay for the costs of affected parties.

Among other resolutions supported were those calling for a greater research effort into the development of fusarium resistant cereal grains, and greater uniformity in regulations relating to anhydrous ammonia.

"The Company very much values the grassroots input it receives from its membership through the delegate body," says Neil Silver, interim President and Chairman of Agricore United. "It is evident from the passion and quality of the debate that our members want us to maintain a strong voice on behalf of prairie farmers."

Under Agricore United's unique governance structure, approximately 140 delegates representing 98 Member Advisory Groups meet at the annual members' meeting to provide policy guidance to the Company and to elect 12 of the 15 members on the Company's board of directors.