News Release
August 24, 2005

Canadian Grain Commission wants producers' harvest samples

WINNIPEG, August 24, 2005 -The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) wants to tell the world about the quality of this year's harvest. The CGC is sending envelopes to thousands of producers and asking them to return these envelopes with a sample of this years' harvest. By doing so, producers help the CGC inform marketers, buyers and processors around the world about the quality of their grain.

"The harvest samples we get from producers each year are an important window onto the quality of grain that will be marketed throughout the following year," says chief commissioner Christine Hamblin.

"Being able to hand a customer detailed quality data months before the grain is even loaded onto a ship gives Canada a marketing edge that cannot be matched by our competitors," says Peter Burnett, director of the CGC's Grain Research Laboratory.

In past years, thousands of producers across Western Canada have answered the CGC's call to sign up and send their harvest samples in for testing. In return they receive, at their request, a grade and quality analysis for each sample they provide, and their names are entered into prize draws.

This year producers who participate will also be able to get their sample results by stopping at the CGC booth at the Agri-Trade Expo in Red Deer, November 9 to 12, and at the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, November 21 to 26.

The samples of wheat, oilseeds and pulses are milled, mixed, baked, crushed, cooked and tested for their processing characteristics. The CGC posts the results of these tests on its web site. The test results are used by marketers and buyers alike to plan their sales programs.

Sample envelopes are now being received by producers who have already signed up to participate. However, it is not too late to sign up and get involved. Producers who would like to participate can contact the CGC in the following ways:

• Telephone: 1-888-324-2248 or 204-983-2978

• Email: tpawlinsky@grainscanada.gc.ca or harvestsurvey@grainscanada.gc.ca

• Web site: www.grainscanada.gc.ca

The CGC is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada's grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The CGC regulates the grain industry to protect producers' rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.

Contact:
Twylla Pawlinsky
Telephone: (204) 983-2978
Email: tpawlinsky@grainscanada.gc.ca or harvestsurvey@grainscanada.gc.ca

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