CGC Covers Cloutier Agra Seed Growers

WINNIPEG - Apr 13/06 - SNS -- The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) said all eligible growers received full payment on grain deliveries made to Cloutier Agra Seeds Inc.

On November 30, 2005, the grain company licence of the Winnipeg-based Cloutier lapsed. Because Cloutier was unable to pay its producer creditors, the CGC used the security posted by the company as part of its licensing agreement to compensate eligible producers who have not been paid for grain delivered during the preceding 90 days.

"We're pleased to be able to report that all eligible claims have been processed and cheques have been sent to the appropriate producers," said CGC Chief Commissioner Chris Hamblin.

"Cloutier's bond of $375,000 covered the $355,329.56 owed to 29 eligible producers. While it's always unfortunate when a member of the grain industry falls on hard times, it is gratifying to know that producers have been paid."

All eligible producers have been notified of their compensation and any who have not already received their cheques should do so in the next few days.