Canadian Grain Commission announces reclassification of CWRW varieties in August 2013

WINNIPEG, July 16 2010 – The Canadian Grain Commission announced that effective August 1, 2013, the following wheat varieties will be moved from the Canada Western Red Winter (CWRW) class to the Canada Western General Purpose (CWGP) class:

• CDC Kestrel
• CDC Clair
• CDC Harrier
• CDC Falcon
• CDC Raptor

“We recognize that producers grow these varieties for a reason,” explains Canadian Grain Commission Chief Commissioner Elwin Hermanson. “By reclassifying these varieties, we are making sure that the classification system meets the needs of Canadian grain producers.”

The Canadian Grain Commission plans to reclassify some CWRW varieties in response to feedback from farmers and other stakeholders of the Canadian grain industry. It was felt that the CWRW class should reflect milling quality. Continuing to include varieties with high yield but low milling quality in the CWRW class affected the overall ability of this class to compete in global markets.

In response to concerns about the consistency of quality in the CWRW class, the Canadian Wheat Board initially split the class into 2 categories: Select and Generic. Select varieties were those that had a minimum of 11% protein and high milling quality. Generic varieties did not often meet the minimum protein requirement, but tended to be high yielding.

Effective August 1, 2013, all Generic varieties in the CWRW class will be moved to the CWGP class. All Select varieties will remain in the CWRW class.

Proposed grade standards change

In the interim, to help farmers and the grain industry manage the quality issues associated with CWRW varieties, the Canadian Grain Commission proposes the following grade standards changes to take effect August 1, 2011:

• Set a minimum grade specification of 11% protein for No. 1 and No. 2 CWRW
• Create a No. 3 CWRW grade for deliveries with less than 11% protein
• Reduce fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) tolerances

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.

Contact

Randy Dennis
Chief Grain Inspector for Canada
Telephone: (204) 983-2780
Email: randy.dennis@grainscanada.gc.ca