Newsroom
2007
CWB invests in search for wheat’s molecular “fingerprint”
November 15, 2007
Winnipeg – The CWB is working to find an innovative replacement for Canada’s grain identification system that will protect Prairie farmers’ premium markets when the existing Kernel Visual Distinguishability (KVD) process is phased out after 2010.
“We need to ensure that eliminating KVD does not harm international marketing efforts,” CWB president and CEO Greg Arason said. “Canada’s quality-control system for grain is a key competitive advantage that farmers can’t afford to see eroded.”
Under KVD, each wheat class is assigned distinct visual characteristics such as seed-coat colour and kernel shape. This allows grain inspectors to quickly and accurately identify the wheat class simply by looking at a handful of kernels. The target proposed by the federal government in April envisions removal of KVD from minor wheat classes in August 2008 and complete removal from all wheat after 2010. The move is intended to aid plant breeders in developing improved varieties that may not meet current visual criteria.
In pursuit of a replacement, the CWB has invested more than $1.3 million into development of “black box” technology to identify varieties using wave-length measurements from molecular signals. This elevator-driveway test is being developed in partnership with NeoVentures Biotechnology and the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council. It would allow a wheat “fingerprinting” system that is quick and affordable for farmers and grain handlers, compared to other KVD replacement options.
A CWB investment of $1.7 million has also been made to help Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Cereal Research Centre develop DNA-based varietal identification. This accurate laboratory-based system would be used on high-volume rail car samples.
The CWB is an active supporter of the new Canada Western General Purpose Wheat Class, to be launched in August 2008. The industrial general-purpose class will accommodate new wheat lines for use in ethanol production and specialized animal feed. The removal of KVD may facilitate development of these varieties, which will no longer be subject to visual appearance requirements.
However, the consistency and integrity of the Prairies’ top milling wheats – Canada Western Red Spring wheat and Canada Western Amber Durum – currently rely on KVD.
“These are our flagship products that generate the highest return for farmers,” Arason said. “As the CWB prepares for the removal of KVD, the new technologies will be crucial in managing the shift to a non-visual system.”
Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. One of Canada's biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based organization sells grain to over 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs to farmers.
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For more information:
Maureen Fitzhenry,
CWB media relations manager
(204) 983-3101
Cell: (204) 227-6927
maureen_fitzhenry@cwb.ca