Reasoning Behind the Amendment:

Over the past three years, the average check-off that was received by the association totaled $47,263. This number is indicative of the check-off received prior to refunding the over $250 refunds to all growers who met and exceeded their maximum contribution. This past check-off standard limited the activities of the NSAC in accomplishing its purpose of encouraging, promoting and assisting in the development of the confectionary and oilseed sunflower industry in Manitoba. The Board felt that the increase in check-off was essential for the long term viability of the Association.

Extensive Consultative Process:

The NSAC executed a large-scale consultation with Manitoba Sunflower producers, regarding the proposed percentage increase and the elimination of the maximum producer contribution. The NSAC Board made initial contact via a grower mail-out in September 2006, indicating that the Board of Directors would be discussing potential amendments to the check-off at their annual planning meeting. A follow-up letter was circulated to sunflower producers in December 2006; the purpose of the letter was to report that, after considerable discussion, the Board of Directors had decided it was in the best interest of the Association’s membership to pursue a check-off increase to ensure the long term viability of NSAC activities. It was made clear in this letter that this would not be a unilateral decision by the Board and that the Association was not only interested in, but required grower feedback. It was clearly noted that a vote would take place at the Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg on February 14, 2007 where a simple majority of those present would determine whether or not the NSAC would submit and application to the Agricultural Producers’ Organization Certification Agency for a check-off increase. A final mail-out was circulated on January 10, 2007 to remind all producers of the upcoming Annual General Meeting and the vote. Information relating to the check-off amendment was also posted on this website in December 2006.

On April 16, 2007 the National Sunflower Association of Canada along with Manitoba Sunflower Producers submitted a report to the Agricultural Producers’ Organization Certification Agency to request amendment of the Sunflower Check-off. On July 3, 2007 a letter was circulated to Sunflower producers that indicated that the report had been submitted and explained the details of the amendment if the Association received final approval from Cabinet. The NSAC received official confirmation of the approval of the amendment on July 16, 2007. A letter was sent out to Manitoba Sunflower producers October 12, 2007, which states that the amendment has been approved and includes a description of the details surrounding the change in the Sunflower Check-off such as refund periods and the member benefits that are revoked once a request for refund is received by our office.

***Click here to view NSAC's position statement on the Check-off Amendment

Active Membership Benefits:

• Access to the Sunflower Cash Advance program (members must be and remain an active member of the NSAC, therefore can not have requested a refund of their check-off dollars)
• Canadian Sunflower Crop Production Manual
• Quarterly grower mail-outs updating membership on the activities of the NSAC
• Subscription to the NSA (U.S.A) Sunflower magazine
• Access to the data from the Sunflower Post-Registration Trials
• Voting rights at the Annual General Meeting
• Grower events such as MB Special Crops Symposium and the Sunflower Diagnostic School
• All the work done on behalf of Sunflower growers through Minor-use Registration, Sunflower research, developing a Sunflower Crop Profile, amending the Variety Registration System, funding the Sunflower Post-Registration trials, working with MASC to alter Sunflower coverage levels and the list goes on...

Click below to view/print a copy of the:
NSAC Designation Regulation (Manitoba Regulation 160/2003)

For more information on the Check-off Amendment:

Contact one of the board members or Darcelle Mabon, Executive Director

• Blair Goethals 204.747.3250
• Blair Woods 204.769.2358
  
• Kelly Dobson 204.769.2417
• Luc Remillard 204.758.3041
• Darcelle Mabon 204.745.6776