Grain transportation was the focus of a roundtable discussion with federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay last week in Regina.

MacAulay was joined by Saskatchewan Liberal MP Ralph Goodale, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

He says they clearly heard farmers want more input.

"What I want to see is to make sure that the grain moves. That is my job, at least my input with the Minister of Transport, that is my responsibility to make sure that the farmer grows the bumper crop, we must be sure that we have the transportation system in place for this fall and winter and for years down the road. That is what the review is all about," MacAulay said.

APAS President Norm Hall called on federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau to follow through on Liberal Party commitments to consult directly with Prairie producers on rail transportation provisions in the Canadian Transportation Act review.

MacAulay acknowledged receiving a letter from Saskatchewan's Ag Minister Lyle Stewart on the issue, adding that moving that grain is key.

"We've been in contact with the railways and we are aware that they expect a bumper crop. Being a farmer in my previous life, I think a bumper crop is the first thing in order for farmers to make money. Then it is important that the crop is moved to the shipment, which is our responsibility to make sure that is done. Every effort that can be taken will be taken to make sure the grain is moved more efficiently then it was a couple of years ago," he said.

MacAulay was joined by Saskatchewan Liberal MP Ralph Goodale, who says the railways need to know they are under special scrutiny because of issues that arose three years years ago.