Protecting Canada's reputation as a supplier of high quality milling wheat

WINNIPEG, April 20, 2018 /CNW/ - Following a comprehensive evaluation, the Canadian Grain Commission has determined that 5 varieties of Canada Western Red Spring wheat will be reassigned to the Canada Northern Hard Red wheat class. Scientific trials showed that gluten strength in these varieties was too low to meet the expectations of customers of Canadian wheat, and was reducing the overall quality of the Canada Western Red Spring wheat class.

Effective August 1, 2021, the following varieties will be reassigned to the Canada Northern Hard Red wheat class:

• AAC Redwater
• AC Domain
• Muchmore
• Vesper
• 5605 HR CL

The Canadian Grain Commission is providing 3 years public notice before these changes come into effect, to give producers time to clear existing stocks and the opportunity to market these varieties while still assigned to the Canada Western Red Spring class.

The decision to reassign these varieties is based on a thorough evaluation of data collected during trials conducted across the three prairie provinces over two crop years. Each of the varieties was assessed for gluten strength relative to established benchmarks for the Canada Western Red Spring wheat class, and it was determined that these varieties do not meet the necessary quality parameters to remain in their current class.

The Canadian Grain Commission is committed to maintaining the quality of premium milling classes of wheat, such as Canada Western Red Spring. By ensuring that all varieties within the class meet specific quality parameters, we are helping to maintain Canada's reputation as a consistent supplier of high quality milling wheat, and ensuring Canadian producers are able to realize the benefits of growing premium classes.

Quotes

"With these changes, the Canadian Grain Commission has taken steps to protect the reputation and performance of one of the most sought-after wheat classes on the market. We have responded to concerns raised by our customers and this will ensure that Canada's wheat industry maintains its reputation as a consistent supplier of high quality milling wheat."

Patti Miller
Chief Commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission

Quick facts

• As the federal agency responsible for ensuring grain quality, the Canadian Grain Commission's role is to ensure that varieties assigned to wheat classes reflect the end-use functionality needs of buyers of Canadian grain.
• In January 2015, the Canadian Grain Commission began implementing a plan to modernize Canada's wheat classes, which includes the evaluation of the quality of individual varieties within certain wheat classes and reassignment of varieties that do not meet quality parameters for that class.
• In consulting on this plan, the Canadian Grain Commission considered 45 formal written submissions from a diverse range of stakeholders representing more than 150 commodity and producer organizations, industry organizations, government departments, and domestic and international end users, as well as grain handlers/marketers, plant breeders, seed companies and seed growers.
• On August 1, 2018, 29 varieties of wheat that do not meet the revised quality parameters for their current classes will be reassigned to the Canada Northern Hard Red class. The variety AC Crystal will be reassigned to the Canada Northern Hard Red effective August 1, 2019.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Wheat class modernization process

Associated links

• Canadian wheat class modernization
• Canadian wheat classes
• Variety designation lists

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.

SOURCE Canadian Grain Commission