Sask., Alberta, B.C. back Ottawa on CWB

Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia are backing the federal government's plan to end the Canadian Wheat Board's monopoly on wheat and barley sales.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud says farmers spend their own money on land and machinery to grow grain, so they should get to decide how they sell it.

However, there's still support amongmany farmers in Saskatchewan to maintain the existing single-desk system, particularly with respect to wheat.

The three western-most provinces threw their support behind Ottawa at the annual agriculture ministers meeting in Saint Andrews, N.B.

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says the board's control over wheat and barley sales has to go if the grain industry is to grow stronger.

Manitobastill opposes the move, saying it will lead to job losses and pit farmers against each other. The Wheat Board has its headquarters in Winnipeg.

The Grain Growers of Canada says it respects Manitoba's concerns, but feels B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan are on the right track.