Newsroom
2006
New protocol now in place to protect quality system from ineligible varieties
September 20, 2006
Winnipeg, Manitoba – A new grain-industry protocol is in place across the Prairies to ensure that Canada's grain quality assurance system is safe from contamination by ineligible varieties.
The protocol is the result of an agreement struck last year between western Canadian grain handlers and the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), with the support of farm groups and regulatory agencies. It was implemented among participating grain industry partners for the 2006-07 crop year.
The problem with ineligible varieties results from grain deliveries that do not match the criteria for the class under which payment is being requested by the farmer. These include varieties that are not registered for sale as Canadian milling wheat, for example. In Canada, each class of grain has specific characteristics developed to ensure consistent end-use attributes, such as its performance in milling, baking or pasta production.
Under the protocol, farmers are asked each year to sign a declaration stating that the grain they deliver is an eligible variety. The new rules also require retention and testing of elevator samples to ensure delivery accuracy. In addition, those who misrepresent grain may be liable to pay for losses incurred. Just a single contaminated elevator can cost as much as $400,000.
Ward Weisensel, the CWB's chief operating officer, said Western Canada's competitive marketing advantage for grain relies on quality assurance.
"Protecting Canada's excellent worldwide reputation for grain quality benefits all of us," he said. "We are known for growing some of the best grain in the world, a product that consistently suits buyers' milling and baking specifications. This protocol helps to ensure that ineligible varieties will not negatively affect our reputation and brand."
Wade Sobkowich, executive director of the Western Grain Elevator Association, said the grain industry and farmers have welcomed the implementation of the new protocol.
"No-one can afford adding extra costs to grain handling," he said. "The vast majority of farmers know their wheat variety and whether or not it is eligible for delivery within the milling class system. We want to enforce these requirements and ensure no-one is disadvantaged by the few who might intentionally or accidentally misrepresent their grain."
The Canadian Grain Commission maintains a list of varieties eligible for delivery to each class of wheat. Farmers can grow varieties not on the list, but they must be delivered only as feed wheat, rather than as milling-quality wheat. For more information on the eligible varieties list, refer to their Web site.
For Further information please contact:
Western Grain Elevator Association
Wade Sobkowich
Executive Director
(204) 942-6835
The Canadian Wheat Board
Maureen Fitzhenry
Media Relations Manager
(204) 983-3101