August 31st, 2015

The range of products produced by Canadian agriculturalists is as distinct as this country’s land, seasons, and people. Canada’s natural bounty provides some of the world’s best quality consumer-ready goods and raw ingredients for a wide range of food processing needs.

Wheat production in Canada represents one of the countries most significant export sectors. While the country’s leading areas are Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, other growing areas include British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, and Quebec.

Canada is a world leader in grain and oilseed production, producing some of the world’s best quality products. These exports meet specialized customer specifications for products as diverse as baked goods, pasta, and even beer.

Here is where the Canadian Grain Commission comes into play. The commission works to uphold the highest levels of quality for Canadian grain on a global scale. It does so by regulating grain handling in Canada while making sure that grain is a reliable commodity for sale in both domestic and export markets. The commission uses science-based quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the very best output from grain producers. Consumers in domestic and international markets can rest assured that are receiving the best products, whether in raw or processed form.

The commission uses the Canadian Grain Act as the basis for their operations, which includes information on Canadian wheat classes and varieties, standards and grades for Canadian wheat, and the results of their scientific testing.

Accomplishing the Canadian Grain Commission’s Objectives

Upholding excellence in production is not an automatic process. Maintaining quality standards is one of the commission’s most important features. The commission’s Grain Research Laboratory conducts yearly testing on crops using scientific analysis for determining harvest and crop export quality. They gather crop quality data using their Harvest Sample Program, and they collect similar data for exports from samples from export shipments.

Collecting data requires collaboration and combined knowledge. Together this helps foster innovation while creating an involved workforce. Understanding the market helps the Canadian Grain Commission establish relevant, adaptable, and efficient programs and services to suit the needs of wheat production in Canada.

Demonstrating Accountability

The commission takes responsibility for their actions, all the while generating an atmosphere of continuous growth. Gaining the public’s trust at home and abroad is one of their most important objectives. They successfully do so by operating with transparency in all areas of commission, establishing trust and acceptance in this governing body to make the right decisions.

Having quality standards also provide a necessary security mechanism for the industry. If licensed grain companies neglect or refuse to pay for wheat deliveries, producers can make a violated security claim to the commission.

The Canadian Wheat Board

The Canadian Wheat Board provides valuable assistance towards wheat production in Canada through the creation of cooperation between food processors and their suppliers. They help the Canadian Grain Commission accomplish its objectives by providing a renowned marketing service for wheat and barley services around the world. With over 75 years of experience, the Canadian Wheat Board has helped put the Canadian prairies firmly on the map.

Committing to a promising future for Canadian wheat production requires quality assurance and cooperation. Having a regulatory board goes a long way in this direction. Marketing forces like the Canadian Wheat Board help push this relationship even further, strengthening the ties between producers and food processors. These quality control measures ensure the integrity and marketability of Canadian grain, both at home and abroad.