The Canadian Grain Commission is making several grain grading changes for the new crop year following consultation with sector stakeholders and members of our Western Standards Committee and Eastern Standards Committee. These changes will allow Canada’s quality assurance system to better meet the needs of the grain sector in Canada and grain buyers around the world. These are the highlights of some of the upcoming changes.
New variety designation lists for food barley
Food barley varieties are unique and different from malting or feed barley varieties due to the distinct quality features desired for food, such as high beta-glucans.
To ensure Canadian producers and the agriculture sector can realize the benefits of developing and growing these varieties, the Canadian Grain Commission is creating variety designation lists for Barley, Canada Eastern Food, which will take effect on July 1, 2024, and Barley, Canada Western Food, which will take effect on August 1, 2024.
Updates to the assessment of seed coat discolouration in soybeans
As part of our grain grading modernization project, the Official Grain Grading Guide will be updated to clarify the assessment of seed coat discolouration in soybeans, effective on August 1, 2024.
The changes include updates to definitions and grade determination tables for factors related to soybean staining. We will also be adding new photographs to the web version of the guide to assist in the evaluation of seed coat discolouration.
Table reformatting in the Official Grain Grading Guide
Our grade determination tables are being changed to be more clear, user friendly and accessible. Effective August 1, 2024, grain grades will be moved to column (vertical) format and grain grading factors will be listed in row (horizontal) format. This change will be to the formatting only and won’t change any grading factors or tolerances.
The new and previous versions of the tables will both be available in the online version of the Official Grain Grading Guide for a minimum of 6 months to help with the transition.
Quotes
“The Canadian Grain Commission values stakeholder input and is implementing these changes based on feedback from the sector. They will support continued growth and Canada’s reputation as a dependable source of high-quality grain.”
David Hunt, Chief Commissioner
Canadian Grain Commission
Quick facts
- Under the Canada Grain Act, the Canadian Grain Commission is responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain grading system.
- The Canadian Grain Commission consulted with sector stakeholders through the Western Standards Committee and Eastern Standards Committees prior to implementing these changes.
- The Canadian Grain Commission’s Official Grain Grading Guide is a complete reference on the grading factors of grains, oilseeds and pulses. Standardized grading factors ensures that producers are fairly compensated for their grain and helps maintain Canada’s reputation for high-quality and safe grain, which benefits the Canadian agriculture sector and all Canadians.
