FORMING ONE ORGANIZATION
- WHAT THE MOU MEANS TO OCPA

Last summer, Ontario's three largest cash crop organizations announced plans to work towards forming one organization. Now, the process of exploring what that one organization will look like begins.
The leaders of Ontario Corn Producers' Association (OCPA), Ontario Soybean Growers (OSG) and Ontario Wheat Producers' Marketing Board (OWPMB) created and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in July 2004. The MOU will serve as a 'road map' for the organizations as they explore their vision for a single grains and oilseed organization.
The three organizations recognize the challenges that lie ahead in bringing the groups into a single organization. September 2008 is a realistic goal of making this happen. The single organization, representing Ontario's corn, soybean and wheat growers, could take a number of shapes, and right now there is no predetermination of what the new organization might look like. All three organizations could remain autonomous, operating under a single "umbrella organization," or they could undergo a full amalgamation, with one single board structure - or the new organization could fall anywhere in between those structures.
The MOU process follows a two-pronged approach, encompassing both the political and administration details. To work through the political end of the process - deciding the ultimate structure of the new organization - the three boards have appointed a six-person political committee involving two board members from each organization.
Getting producer feedback over the next year will be critical in helping us to determine future directions. We encourage member feedback at local annual meetings and our Annual General Meetings in March.
Staff for the three organizations is working through the logistics of co-location for the three organizations. In taking the first step towards becoming one organization, the three organizations are in the planning stages for shared office space in the new Ontario AgriCentre, expected to open in Guelph in September 2005. It is expected the co-location will increase efficiency in all three organizations through shared resources, such as boardrooms and office equipment, as well as through shared ideas for collaborative events and initiatives geared towards producers.
The organizations estimate a common membership of approximately 80%, and they have many similar organizational activities. The groups share the common goal to create a business atmosphere that allows for the highest returns for members. Combined, they represent approximately 25,000 Ontario producers.
In the meantime, all three organizations will continue to operate on a 'business-as-usual' basis, and at this time, there are no plans for the suspension of organization-specific programs or initiatives.
Growers wishing to comment on the MOU may contact OCPA, OSG, or OWPMB directly.

1