Discussion paper, December 1998

Identity Preserved Systems in the Canadian Grain Industry

This document is also available in an Adobe PDF format.

Identity Preserved Systems in the Canadian Grain Industry. Adobe PDF format

Note: to read the Adobe PDF version you need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 (or later) on your system. If the Adobe download site is not accessible to you, you can download Acrobat Reader from an accessible page. If you choose not to use Acrobat Reader you can have the PDF file converted to HTML or ASCII text by using one of the conversion services offered by Adobe.

Executive Summary

The present Canadian visual method of segregation of grain through the bulk handling system has come under pressure for change. There are presently a number of cases where varieties with specific desirable qualities are being grown and kept separate in the bulk handling system by means other than visual identification. The purpose of this paper is to discuss issues around non-visual segregation and propose a framework for an identity preserved (or IP) system of handling both large and small volume segregations. The purpose is to stimulate discussion around how IP systems could be set up, not to necessarily endorse these systems.

An IP system could include these elements :

• seed should be of a registered variety, with genetic markers for variety identification specified

• producers contracted to grow the grain should use seed acceptable to the contractor (normally either Certified seed or "verified" as the specified variety)

• contractors who market the grain should have production contracts with producers and be responsible for finding alternative markets for the grain if it does not meet specifications

• movement of the grain through the handling and transportation system should be accompanied by a paper trail, with samples taken and kept at every link in the chain where accountability shifts from one party to another

• accountability will rest with the facility which loads the transport conveyance

• an independent testing facility could test grain shipments to confirm that the grain meets contract specifications

• if shipments do not meet specifications, the samples may be tested down the chain to determine where the problem occurred and thus where financial accountability lies

A major problem with IP systems is how to identify problems and assign liability in cases where the non-IP grain is contaminated with grain of the IP varieties. This issue requires further work to be resolved.

Contact:

Len Seguin
Chief Grain Inspector for Canada
Canadian Grain Commission
900-303 Main Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 3G8
Email: lseguin@grainscanada.gc.ca
Fax: (204) 983-0315

next page