An Economic Analysis of Improving the Grain Export Capacity at the West Coast Terminals

It was evident in the 2013/14 crop year that when limited export capacity is rationed by price, large export basis reduces Saskatchewan prices at a substantial cost to grain producers and the provincial economy. Given the increasing long term yield trend, the projected 10 million tonne increase in crop production under the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, and the continued growth in Asian grain markets, West Coast export capacity is likely to be an issue for decades to come. The goal of this study is to quantify the future economic impact of alternative policy options to increase the capacity of West Coast export terminals. The analysis will inform all investors in the Western Canadian grain industry and will be of particular importance to policy makers and organizations such as Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission that represent Western grain producers.

Faculty Supervisor:

Richard Gray

Student:

Mohammad Torshizi

Partner:

Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission

Discipline:

Resources and environmental management

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Saskatchewan