While there were once seven elevators and at least five grain companies buying grain in Fort St. John, today there is but one. Viterra, however, is the result of amalgamations of the Alberta Wheat Pool, Manitoba Pool Elevators, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and United Grain Growers, pretty much all the grain buyers of any size left in Canada at the time. While Viterra had operated the large wood elevator across the road (likely) since Viterra was formed in in 2007, it didn't take over operation of this elevator until October of 2016.
A large sign out front brands this as #1 Elevator of the
Northpine Farmers Institute, operated by Viterra. Originally owned by Cargill and scheduled for demolition, here's how the elevator came to be owned by the
Northpine Farmers Institute, opening on September 16, 2010:
2012 - Approximately one third of BC's agricultural land is in the Peace River Regional District. The region was in danger of losing all the grain elevators within the area which would have had a crippling effect on the ability of farmers in the region to remain competitive. In response to this challenge, the North Pine Farmers Institute has acquired a rail head and elevator and made extensive improvements and upgrades to the facility on behalf of farmers all over the North Peace region of BC.
The newly upgraded facility provides local access to the existing rail system which allows for greater transportation efficiency. With the acquisition of this infrastructure local farmers can now load their crops onto outbound trains that will take their products to market. The facility is also capable of unloading products coming into the region lowering the price of some commodities for the farmers. This increased efficiency provides increased stability within the Peace River Regional District where agriculture is a way of life for many people.
From Northern Development BC
After being operated by the
Northpine Farmers Institute for six years, a lease agreement was signed with Viterra, who took over operation of the elevator in October of 2016.
Viterra takes over Fort St. John
grain elevator operations
Matt Preprost | OCTOBER 12, 2016
Viterra has officially assumed operations of the Fort St. John grain elevator, the company has announced.
In a statement on Tuesday, the company said it took over operations of the Fort St. John grain elevator through a lease agreement on Sept. 1. It spent the summer actively bidding grain for the facility.
The company says the facility is well equipped to handle the variety of grain grown by farmers in the Peace Region and sell it to global markets.
“We’re pleased to be in a position to support local customers, and provide them with the same high level of service that our farmers across Western Canada expect from us,” Regional Manager Rob Willoughby said in a statement.
“We’re able to connect our customers to markets in over 50 countries, backed by an international trading network that provides us with the most current market intelligence that we then share with our farmers to help them in their decision-making.”
The company announced its intent to take over operations at the facility last spring.
From the Alaska Highway News