Price Pooling Program: Step 4. After you apply

Step 4. After you apply

Marketing agencies are encouraged to contact AAFC staff (contact information) prior to completing the application. Staff can help determine if the program meets the agency's needs. Any questions or concerns can also be addressed at this stage. Once an application is received by AAFC, it is reviewed for completeness. If it is determined that a marketing agency is not eligible for the program, AAFC officials will contact the marketing agency to advise of the ineligibility elements.

If it is determined that a marketing agency is eligible for the program, the request will be evaluated. AAFC will establish the agency's administrative capability and financial means to implement the marketing plan being proposed in its request and its capacity to market the agricultural products delivered under a cooperative plan.

An analysis is also conducted by AAFC to determine the expected average wholesale price of the agricultural product for the coming crop year. This forecast is established, based on information provided by the marketing agency and an analysis of the markets by AAFC commodity specialists.

The completed analysis is then presented to a review committee, which prepares a recommendation for the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food or her delegates. If not approved, AAFC officials will inform the marketing agency of this decision. If approved, the price guarantee level and other terms of the agreement are discussed with the marketing agency.

A signed agreement by the Minister or her delegates is then forwarded to the marketing agency for signature by its authorized officers.

Service standards

Under normal circumstances:

Our goal is to respond to general inquiries made to our phone number or email address before the end of the next business day.
Our goal is to send an agreement to the approved applicants for review and signature within 8 weeks following receipt of a duly completed application.

Participating organizations (for 2020)

Viterra Inc. - Alberta Bean Division
801 - 1st Avenue East
Bow Island, Alberta
T0K 0G0

Grain Farmers of Ontario
679 Southgate Drive
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 4S2