Grain industry representatives were in Ottawa Monday to address the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food on the grain transportation backlog.

Canadian Federation of Agriculture President Ron Bonnett spoke in front of the committee.

"There seemed to be, I think, more knowledge around the committee than we thought on what the impact of the low rate of shipments of the grain was having on farmers. I think we were able to point out to the committee members that there needs to be work to get the bill [C-49] passed as quickly as possible, but also make sure that the amendments are there with it to ensure it does what it's expected to do."

Bonnett says the threat of an Order in Council is still there to get the grain moving in the short term, however, long-term legislation is what is really needed to make sure this type of situation doesn't happen in the future.

Representatives from CN and CP were also in attendance to explain some of the steps that they are taking to help resolve the grain backlog.