Archived - After KVD: wheat exports will continue to meet Canadian Grain Commission’s standards for quality
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WINNIPEG, February 11, 2008 – On August 1, 2008, kernel visual distinguishability (KVD) will be removed as a registration criterion for all eight western Canadian wheat classes.
This change was announced today by the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
“When KVD is removed, western Canadian producers will continue to deliver registered wheat classes that meet Canada’s high standards. Canada’s variety registration process will still include stringent requirements for quality, agronomic characteristics and disease resistance - key components in upholding Canada’s quality brand. Canada’s reputation for consistent quality will be maintained in international and domestic markets,” said Elwin Hermanson, Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). “The CGC is committed to working with all stakeholders to make the change a success for everyone – producers, grain handlers, and customers.”
The elimination of KVD will remove visual restrictions on plant breeders and crop developers when bringing forward new varieties for registration. It will give producers access to varieties that offer higher yields, have better disease resistance, and can be used for feed and bio-fuels.
All players in wheat quality assurance and in the handling system need to adopt procedures that do not rely on kernel appearance to segregate wheat classes. An industry working group is developing a quality management system which includes protocols for testing and monitoring and the use of declarations.
The CGC is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards. It reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The CGC’s programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The CGC regulates the grain industry to protect producers’ rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.
Contact:
Elwin Hermanson
Chief Commissioner
Canadian Grain Commission
Telephone: 204-983-2735
Email: elwin.hermanson@grainscanada.gc.ca
Or
Jim Stuart
Director, Industry Services
Canadian Grain Commission
Telephone: 204-983-1549
Email: jim.stuart@grainscanada.gc.ca
Or
Rémi Gosselin
Manager, Corporate Information Services
Canadian Grain Commission
Telephone: 204-983-2749
Email: remi.gosselin@grainscanada.gc.ca