| This paper is
intended to generate a wider understanding of wheat quality control issues and the
implications of various options for the evolution of Western Canada’s wheat quality
control system. A further goal is the eventual movement toward consensus on the best
directions to take. The overall objective of this process is an evolving wheat quality
system that will result in maximum on-farm net revenue from domestic and export sales of
wheat produced in the region. |
|
| The points raised in
this paper have been prepared by staff of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), the Canadian
Grain Commission (CGC), and the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI), in
consultation with many groups and individuals throughout the wheat industry. This is an
ongoing discussion process and many decisions remain to be made. Input from all interested
parties is encouraged, and can be provided by contacting the Canadian Wheat Board or the
Canadian Grain Commission at the coordinates listed below. In the future, there will be
more discussions and consultations on specific issues arising from this general discussion
paper. However, if you have comments on this paper, we would be pleased to consider them
in our subsequent work. Please provide any comments by October 31, 2000. |
|
| Two key
considerations underlie this entire discussion. The first is that the existing Western
Canadian wheat quality control system has succeeded in delivering products that are viewed
by customers as the best in the world. This reputation is highly valuable, and any changes
to the system must be made with care. The second, somewhat conflicting, consideration is
an assumption that we have no choice but to make changes to the current system. In recent
years, several new challenges and opportunities have emerged and some longstanding issues
have become more pronounced (examples are included in the paper). In fact, some
significant changes have already been made. For example, the wheat variety registration
process has moved away from a strict application of Kernel Visual Distinguishability (KVD)
in all cases. More and more, decisions about the current system will not be a question of
whether change will occur, but rather of the degree and speed with which changes are made. |
|
|
| Please contact the
following people with your questions and comments: |
|
Len
Seguin
Chief Grain Inspector for Canada
Canadian Grain Commission
303 Main Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 3G8
Tel: 204-983-2780 Fax: 204-983-7550
Email: lseguin@grainscanada.gc.ca |
Gord
Flaten
Director, Market Development
Canadian Wheat Board
423 Main Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 2P5
Tel: 204-983-6466 Fax: 204-984-1699
Email: gord_flaten@cwb.ca |
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