Farmer-delegates attending Agricore United's Annual Members' Meeting in Regina this week passed a series of resolutions to set the strategic policy direction for the company.

One hundred and thirty-eight delegates from across western Canada gathered to elect member-directors and consider policy resolutions. Of the 34 resolutions presented, 26 were passed, giving guidance on key policy issues facing the grains, oilseeds and special crops industry.

Agricore United delegates called on the company to "take a leading role in efforts to reduce market distorting tariffs and subsidies" through the upcoming round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations.

Delegates also voted to re-affirm Agricore United's "support of freedom of market choice for all grains, oilseeds and specialty crops, including wheat and barley."

Transportation and the future of the federal hopper car fleet were other policy areas discussed. Delegates called on the company to "support only initiatives which embody commercial principles on continuous improvement, mitigate increased costs for farmers and promote fleet renewal." They also voted in favour of a farmer-industry proposal for ownership of the federal hopper cars.

"Agricore United values the guidance we receive from our farmer-members," said Wayne Drul who was re-elected Chair of Agricore United at a board of directors meeting immediately following the Annual Members' Meeting. "The strategy set by our delegates is forward-looking and will allow farmers to take advantage of the world of opportunity presented to our growing industry."

Agricore United is one of Canada's leading agri-businesses. The prairie-based company is diversified into sales of crop inputs and services, grain merchandising, livestock production services and financial markets. Agricore United's shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "AU.LV".