Agriculture committee  On that end, the good-news story here is that if somebody wants a specific type of barley, there is the freedom to have it contracted directly. If somebody wants to create a unique craft beer and wants a specific type of barley—a heritage type of barley, anything along those lines—they can contract that to be grown.

Agriculture committee  Yes. I really meant to jump in when Mr. Eyking was asking his question about research. We've been really fortunate, through the Alberta Barley Commission and the Barley Council of Canada, to be allocated $8 million in agri-innovation funding through the Growing Forward 2 program, in that we match $2 million in farmer and research organization funding for $10 million in barley research, specifically for innovative programs.

Agriculture committee  The only thing I'd say is that historically the barley that isn't used for malt goes back into the feed industry. It makes it an almost fail-safe crop for farmers. However, by opening up more markets we can encourage farmers to grow more barley because they'll get a better price for it.

Agriculture committee  That's right. Increased demand is good for barley development.

Agriculture committee  I have to say you're absolutely right. We're thrilled about this trade agreement and we understand that there's going to be a learning curve as the details are finalized. We have some time to get there. Certainly, for the barley industry the access for Canadian beef and pork is significant, simply because those two industries have had a few hard years.

Agriculture committee  Good afternoon. On behalf of the Alberta Barley Commission, l' d like to thank you for inviting me here today to discuss CETA. I'm here on behalf of Alberta's 11,000-plus barley farmers. As general manager of the Alberta Barley Commission, I also serve as president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance.

Agriculture committee  I defer to the chairman of the national organization.