The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) today announced the 2006-07 Identity Preserved Contract Program (IPCP) for wheat and durum varieties. The IPCP allows the CWB to test-market new varieties among potential domestic and international customers, and to supply buyers with varieties that meet specific milling and malting needs.

“IPCP varieties represent significant breeding advancements in their classes,” said Earl Geddes, vice-president Product Development and Marketing Support. Farmers entering into IPCP contracts are helping to ensure that the wheat and durum varieties grown in Western Canada continue to meet the needs of our customers.”

“The IPCP allows buyers to test a variety’s milling and end-use qualities, which increases the potential market for the high-quality grains grown by western Canadian farmers,” he added.

Participating farmers will be eligible for benefits including premiums of between $2.50 per tonne and $10.00 per tonne. Incentives vary by program. They may include guaranteed acceptance and delivery within the crop year of all production that qualifies for the program, escalating on-farm storage payments, contract premiums and protein premiums.

Varieties eligible for the 2006-07 CWB IPCP are:

• Snowbird and Kanata - Canada Western Hard White Spring wheat: $2.50 tonne premium; limited guaranteed acceptance and delivery
• AC Navigator - Canada Western Amber Durum wheat: $2.50 tonne premium
• Strongfield - Canada Western Amber Durum wheat: Authorized handlers offering incentives; limited guaranteed acceptance and delivery of eligible grades; storage
• Commander - Canada Western Extra Strong Amber Durum wheat: guaranteed acceptance and delivery; storage
• 5701PR - Canada Prairie Spring Red wheat: guaranteed acceptance and delivery of eligible grades; $5.00 tonne premium; storage
• AC Bellatrix, AC Readymade, AC Tempest, CDC Buteo, CDC Osprey, McClintock, Norstar, Radiant - Canada Western Red Winter Select wheat: guaranteed acceptance and delivery of eligible grades; $10.00 tonne premium; storage

IPCP sign-up forms will be available through elevators or by calling the CWB at 1-800-275-4292. More contract details may be found at www.cwb.ca.

Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. As one of Canada’s biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based company sells grain to more than 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to Prairie farmers.