In 1984, Canada had three different prime ministers1 and a prime interest rate hovering around 12%.
- Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space.
- Corey Hart wore
Sunglasses at Night.
- TSN made its television debut.
- The first herbicide-tolerant variety of canola was registered.
Also in 1984, Prairie Canola Growers Council (PCGC) became an official administrator of the Advance Payments Program (APP) and started issuing cash advances to canola farmers in Western Canada.
This fall, Canadian Canola Growers Association (the successor to PCGC) proudly celebrates 35 years of "Helping Farmers Succeed" — a deeply-held commitment that's been our vision since the very start.
With the introduction of canola in the 1970s, a group of farmers growing the crop wondered why there were cash advances for wheat, barley and oats, but not for canola. They understood the challenges of managing farm cash flow and worked together to create PCGC.
Charlie Froebe was PCGC's first general manager. In the early years, Charlie, his wife Bonnie, and two part-time employees operated PCGC from the Froebe home.
From 1984-2000, farmers could only apply for a fall advance on stored canola and an expanding list of grains. At that time, the maximum allowable APP cash advance was $250,000 with a $50,000 interest-free component.
Despite the limitations, each year more farmers used the program. Staff worked tirelessly navigating new technologies, adding commodities and improving program... (read more)