The federal government wanted a change in the producer declaration form for the vote on barley marketing, which has delayed the mailing out of ballots to today, Feb. 7.

Federal Agriculture minister Chuck Strahl explained the delay was made to ensure a fairer voting process by grain farmers.

"To ensure the widest possible participation, I have asked officials to revise and simplify the producer declaration form that is required with the ballot. This has resulted in a delay of the mailing of the voters' package," said Strahl.

The minister said producers will still have the same length of time to vote, five weeks, with ballots to be mailed out today, Feb. 7, and the final day to have the ballots postmarked as March 13. Eligible voters who have not received their package by Feb. 15 will be asked to call the election coordinator, which is the international accounting firm, KPMG LLP.

The vote is to determine whether farmers want barley marketing to remain solely with the Canadian Wheat Board, or if barley should move to an open market system. A third option is being proposed on the ballot, to have an open market, but alongside the CWB being available as an option.