Canadian Grain Commission moves to a more precise assessment of frost, heat stress and mildew damage in wheat
News release
June 4, 2018 Winnipeg Canadian Grain Commission
The Canadian Grain Commission is updating its guidelines for the assessment of frost, heat stress and mildew damage in wheat. Beginning in the 2018-19 crop year, individual standard samples for frost/heat stress and mildew will replace the current combined standard samples as the assessment tools for these grading factors in all classes of Western Canadian wheat.
Under the previous guidelines, if both factors were present in a delivery, they were jointly assessed using the combined standard samples. New research conducted by the Canadian Grain Commission has demonstrated that these grading factors do not have a compounding negative effect on the end-use functionality of the wheat. Individual assessment of these grading factors will prevent unnecessary downgrading of wheat while maintaining the high standards of functional quality that customers of Canadian wheat have come to expect.
These updated grading practices were recommended by the Western Standards Committee, which represents stakeholders from across the grain value chain. The changes are being implemented as part of the Canadian Grain Commission’s ongoing initiative to modernize Canada’s grain grading system and to ensure that grain is graded using the most effective, precise and user-friendly tools possible.
The new standards for frost, heat stress and mildew will come into effect on August 1, 2018, for Western wheat classes. These changes are not applicable in Eastern wheat classes. However, the guides for mildew in Eastern wheat classes will be renamed as standards, effective July 1, 2018.
Quotes
“The Canadian Grain Commission is committed to science-based evaluation as the cornerstone of the grading system. As part of our broader grain grading modernization, this change will help to better meet the evolving needs of the grain industry while safeguarding the quality and reputation of Canadian wheat.”
Patti Miller,
Chief Commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission
Quick facts
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Under the Canada Grain Act, the Canadian Grain Commission is responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain grading system.
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Grain producers, processors, and exporters all have a voice in how Canada's grading system is developed through the Western and Eastern Standards Committees.
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Grain grades are a tool used to define the quality of grains as they relate to performance during processing and the quality of end products.
Associated links
Contacts
Gino Castonguay
Chief Grain Inspector for Canada
204-983-2780
gino.castonguay@grainscanada.gc.ca
Canadian Grain Commission
The Canadian Grain Commission 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 Canadian Grain Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producers’ rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.
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