Andrea Furness

The committee meeting covered a variety of grain grading topics including updates on technology and reports from several advisory committees. Key outcomes included motions to update grading factors for lentils and Canada Eastern Amber Durum wheat, specifically regarding contrasting colors, severe midge, and penetrated smudge tolerances. The committee discussed the development of a heated corn guide, the status of grain grading alignment, and the ongoing review of wheat class quality descriptions on the CGC website. Additionally, existing standards for grain grown in the Eastern Division were recommended for redesignation for the upcoming crop year.

This departmental plan outlines the Canadian Grain Commission's priorities, plans, and associated costs for the upcoming three fiscal years, with a specific focus on 2026-27. Key priorities include achieving sustainable funding and operations, advancing program delivery through technology and scientific innovation, and ensuring fair grain transactions and a competitive sector. The plan details a comprehensive expenditure review with planned spending reductions and highlights a commitment to implementing digital solutions, evaluating improved grain quality assurance technologies, including artificial intelligence, and strengthening the Safeguards for Grain Farmers Program to support Canada's reputation for safe, high-quality grain and ensure fair compensation for farmers.

The committee meeting covered several key regulatory and grading topics. Discussions included updates on grain grading technology, the Grain Quality Technology Advancement Framework, and reports from advisory committees regarding oilseeds, pulses, and barley. Key actions included the removal of contrasting classes as a grading factor for lentils, adjustments to tolerances for penetrated smudge and total severe midge in Canada Western Amber Durum wheat, and the recommendation of standards for the 2026-2027 crop year. Additionally, the committee received updates on the Canada Western Red Spring hard vitreous kernel working group, the grain grading alignment working group, and research findings regarding the impact of broken kernels on durum wheat functionality.

The meeting covered a range of topics including updates from various advisory committees on pulses, barley, oilseeds, and wheat. Discussions involved lentil grading factors, heated corn assessments, canola seed analysis, and wheat kernel characteristics. The committee addressed issues such as small lentils in dockage, contrasting colors in lentils, sprouted canola, and shrunken wheat kernels. The potential for grading alignment and advancements in technology for grain assessment were also discussed. A trade memo regarding darkened kernels in CWAD was recommended.

The meeting included discussions and updates from various advisory committees including Pulses, Barley and Other Cereal Grains, Oilseeds, and Wheat. Key topics included the grading factor for contrasting classes in lentils, heated corn and damage, sprouted canola, shrunken and broken kernels in wheat, and variety requirements in No. 4 grades of eastern wheat. The committee also discussed technology advancements, travel policies, and the potential study of Brazilian versus Canadian soybeans.