Canadian sunflower seed

Description

The Canadian Grain Commission provides resources about Canadian sunflower seeds that are related to the Canadian Grain Commission’s functions as defined under the Canada Grain Act. This includes information about Canadian sunflower seeds standards and grades.

Biological classification of sunflower seed

Family: Compositae
Species: Helianthus annuus
Type: Oilseed

Growing areas in Canada

Growing areas: Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan

End uses for Canadian sunflower seed

Sunflower seeds are used to make snack foods, peanut butter alternatives and oil. In agriculture, sunflower seeds are used in livestock feed and bird seed.

Canadian sunflower seed and Canada Grain Regulations

Sunflower seeds are one of the grains defined in Canada Grain Regulations – Section 5. This means that the Canadian Grain Commission establishes and maintains quality standards for sunflower seeds. Also, this means that sunflower seeds are one of the crops protected by security. If a licensed grain company refuses or fails to pay for a delivery of sunflower seeds, the producer can make a claim against security.

Canadian sunflower seed standards and grades

The Canadian Grain Commission defines Canadian grain standards and assesses the grade of grains against these standards. The Grain Grading Guide contains all the standards for Canadian grain. Chapter 14 presents the standards for sunflower seeds.

Standards Committees review these grading standards and recommend changes when necessary. The committees also select the standard samples of Canadian grain used each year.