Research programs
Our research programs assess Canadian grain harvest quality and study how grading factors affect end-use properties. We evaluate and develop methods used to assess the quality and safety of Canadian grain. We also develop new uses for Canadian grain and evaluate new varieties as part of the variety registration program.
Bread Wheat and Durum Research
Our overall goal is to support the Canadian wheat quality assurance system.
We conduct quality analyses of composite samples created from samples submitted via the Harvest Sample Program. These analyses provide information on the new crop quality characteristics of the major Canadian wheat classes.
We monitor the quality of wheat cargoes at export and investigate cargo complaints.
Our program also evaluates the quality of new wheat lines before they are registered, and identifies which new varieties are eligible for the Canadian Grain Commission’s variety designation lists.
Our research determines the effects of grading factors (example, mildew) on wheat quality. As well, we identify and characterize biochemical components that are responsible for wheat quality. The other research priority is to develop new methods or modify existing ones to measure end-use quality more effectively and efficiently.
Wheat dough is evaluated for visco-elastic properties using the Brabender extensograph.
Our relevance to the grain sector
Many participants in the grain industry, from breeders developing new lines to customers of Canadian grain, use information we generate through our quality assurance and research activities. For example, wheat exporters use quality data generated by the Harvest Sample Program to market Canadian wheat. Buyers use quality data to determine how Canadian wheat will perform in their facilities.
Our quality evaluation of new varieties of wheat provides a link between marketplace quality requirements and the plant breeder. Changing market demands are satisfied by new wheat varieties that have the required end-use quality characteristics.
Cargo quality monitoring allows us to verify that the exporter delivers based on customer requirements, and the quality assurance system and grade standards meet industry expectations.
For each type of visual damage assessed by grading, we determine the degree and intensity of harmful effects on end-processing quality, providing a scientific basis for tolerances for each grading factor.
We develop new and improved analytical and technical tools that are faster, more accurate, less costly, or more specific and that will quantify the functionality of wheat based on its physicochemical properties. Research on the biochemical basis of quality often leads to the development of new methods to measure quality more specifically and provides new screening tools for wheat breeders in developing new varieties with improved quality.
Program manager
Dr. Bin Xiao Fu
Find out about Bin Xiao Fu’s expertise, affiliations and contact information.
Milling and Malting / Research on Barley and Other Grains
We identify, characterize, and quantify components and molecular mechanisms responsible for the quality, functionality and performance of Canadian barley and other grains, such as oats and buckwheat. Our research activities involve assessing genetic, agronomic, and environmental factors that affect the quality and performance of barley during malting and brewing processes. We also quantify and characterize bioactive components in barley and other grains such as beta-glucans, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. As well, we develop technological processes that will allow manufacturers to use barley and other grains in new and different ways.
We evaluate instrumental techniques and develop methods and protocols for measuring and predicting the quality and value of barley. We support the Grain Quality Assurance program by monitoring the quality of barley destined for export, evaluating the quality of advanced breeders’ lines and assessing the quality of malting barley produced in western Canada.
Pearled barley, steel-cut barley groats, instant flakes, old-fashion whole flakes, and fibre-rich/ ß-glucan-rich fractions (grits).
Our relevance to the grain sector
The knowledge and data generated by our activities helps us provide the expected scientific evidence and information to the agri-food sector. Our research helps develop effective and innovative strategies for improving the properties of Canadian barley and other grains that affect products made out of them. Our research also helps develop effective and innovative strategies for improving the processing performance of barley and other grains.
Every year we provide detailed information about the quality of malting barley to marketers, end users, and customers of Canadian barley. Our annual harvest survey report provides detailed information on the quality of malting barley associated with each variety and growing region for the newly selected barley crop.
Our assessment of the quality and processing properties of advanced barley breeding lines support the development of improved malting and food barley varieties.
We provide quality information to marketers and customers of Canadian wheat and to Canadian wheat breeders. This is based on our evaluation of the milling performance of wheat samples from cargo shipments and the current harvest. As well, we appraise the milling performance of advanced wheat breeding lines.
Program manager
Dr. Marta S. Izydorczyk
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Oilseeds
We conduct research on factors that contribute to the quality of products made from Canadian oilseeds (canola, rapeseed, flax, soybean and mustard) and into seed factors – such as free fatty acids and chlorophyll derivatives - that could affect quality of these products. Our research includes understanding the effects of variety and environment on the composition and quality of oilseed crops. As well, we develop new and improved methods to analyze minor and major components
Analysis of cyanogenic glycosides using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
Our relevance to the grain sector
We conduct quality monitoring programs using samples from the Harvest Sample Program and samples taken at export. We analyze factors such as oil, protein, glucosinolate, fatty acid composition, free fatty acid and chlorophyll to give domestic and export customers of Canadian oilseeds an indication of each year’s crop quality.
As part of Canada’s quality assurance system, cargo monitoring assesses the quality of exported Canadian oilseeds. Cargo monitoring allows export customers to determine if export shipments meet their specific requirements for their endproducts.
Because Canadian crops are segregated and sold by grade, it is important to determine grading factors using an unbiased, scientific approach. The Canadian Grain Commission does this by developing methods and projects to understand the inherent quality of grains and the products made from grain. We have been involved in the development of internationally recognized methods (e.g. methods recognized by ISO, American Association for Clinical Chemistry, American Oil Chemists Society) for assessing oilseed quality. These methods provide unbiased oilseed analyses for use by the industry.
Spring-harvested flaxseed and canola research
We’re conducting research on the effects of late harvest on canola and flaxseed quality and is seeking samples of canola and flaxseed that was seeded in spring 2019, but not harvested until spring 2020. Learn how to participate in this study.
Program manager
Dr. Véronique Barthet
Find out about Véronique J. Barthet’s expertise, affiliations and contact information.
Pulse Research
We investigate factors that contribute to the overall quality of pulses and study the end-use functionality of pulses, that is, how the physical and chemical components of pulses affect the final product made from pulses. We also study the role of grading, environmental and genetic factors in determining pulse quality and end-use functionality.
We research methods for measuring and assessing pulse end-use quality and functionality. As well, our program conducts the annual pulse and foodtype soybean quality survey in support of the annual Harvest Sample Program. Data from this survey is used to generate a harvest quality report of Canadian grain in support of the marketability of Canadian crops.
Soaking dried yellow field peas makes them cook more quickly and evenly. Cooking time and the texture of cooked peas are quality measures.
Our relevance to the grain sector
We provide scientific support to the Canadian Grain Commission’s development of grading standards for pulses. Our research provides the pulse industry with information on pulse quality and end-use functionality. Furthermore, research on methods for new grading factors provides the pulse industry with consistent, objective measurements for pulse quality.
Each year, we conduct an annual quality survey which provides data on the intrinsic and end-use quality of Canadian pulses and food-type soybeans. We use the data to monitor and support the quality assurance system. As well, the data is used by marketers to promote Canadian pulses and by customers of Canadian pulses to understand end-use quality.
We also participate in cargo quality monitoring to ensure that the export shipments meet the quality requirements.
Program manager
Dr. Ning Wang
Find out about Ning Wang’s expertise, affiliations and contact information.
Analytical Services
We oversee the Harvest Sample Program and conduct the analyses used to produce letters of analysis for Canadian grain exporters who request that specific cargos be tested. We measure a wide range of quality and grading factors, including protein content, dough strength, DON levels, moisture content, ash content, particle size index, Falling Number, gluten index and wet gluten content. We monitor and maintain Canadian calibrations for several types of measuring devices. These include near-infrared instruments internal to the Canadian Grain Commission and two common types of grain moisture meters.
In 2021, we demonstrated that all the requirements were met to receive ISO /IEC 17025 accreditation for measuring moisture content by forced air oven, ash content and crude protein using combustion nitrogen analysis (CNA). The Standards Council of Canada gave us these internationally recognized accreditations as a formal recognition of our ability to produce accurate and reliable results.
Our relevance to the grain sector
International accreditation, as well as our other science-based standards of quality for Canadian grain, are key elements of Canada’s grain quality assurance system. These standards are used throughout Canada’s grain handling system so that grain quality is maintained from farm to port. The analyses and tests that we perform provide an impartial assessment that ensures the dependability of Canadian grain for international customers. Our calibration services ensure instruments generate accurate and reproducible results.
Through the Harvest Sample Program, we collect thousands of grain samples every year from across Canada. These samples enable us to develop, monitor and verify grading factors and tolerances to ensure they reflect processing needs, which helps maintain Canada’s reputation as a consistent supplier of high-quality grain. Samples also are used throughout the Grain Research Laboratory to study the effects of environmental conditions on grains as well as other research projects.
Program manager
Kerri Pleskach, MSc
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Grain Biotechnology
Our program develops and evaluates DNA-based methods for identifying and quantifying genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in grains. We are ISO 17025 accredited to carry out GMO testing using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR is used to amplify, that is to reproduce, the DNA sequence of the gene of interest so that GMO analysis can be performed with high sensitivity.
We monitor export wheat shipments for wheats of other classes and ineligible varieties. The identification of wheat varieties is based on differences in their DNA sequences. We also provide varietal purity certification of malting barley cargoes. Varietal identification analysis supports the Harvest Sample Program and the Canadian Grain Commission’s grain inspection services.
Testing for genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) is done using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Our relevance to the grain sector
Many countries require that grain and food products containing GMOs are labelled. As well, many importing countries have tolerances for GMOs that can be present in non-genetically modified grain shipments. Several importers of Canadian grain routinely test for the presence of unapproved GMOs, including the European Union.
Monitoring the variety composition of export cargoes is a key element of grain quality assurance. When kernel visual distinguishability was eliminated as a requirement for variety registration in 2008, the industry implemented a declaration system for western Canadian wheat and the Canadian Grain Commission increased variety monitoring to protect the reputation of Canada’s wheat for consistent quality.
Program manager
Dr. Tigst Demeke
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Microbiology and Grain Genomics
We research and monitor pathogenic, quarantinable and toxigenic microorganisms, such as moulds and bacteria, associated with Canadian grain and products made from Canadian grain. Our program develops new tools and employs new technologies for the detection, identification and characterization of these microorganisms. We use newly developed and validated methods to investigate how agronomics, environment and processing affect microbial communities naturally associated with crops and grain products.
We also use genomic technologies to look at differences in DNA sequences that are characteristic among microorganisms as well as grain crops. This allows us to continuously update our DNA testing methods to identify new microbes and crop varieties. Our reference databases currently contain DNA profiles of over 800 varieties.
The growth of microorganisms infecting selected wheat kernels on an agar plate.
Our relevance to the grain sector
The Official Grain Grading Guide assigns grades based on a sample’s ability to meet tolerances for various grading factors. These factors can directly or indirectly affect the quality and safety of Canadian grain. Our program provides scientific evidence to establish and update grading factors and tolerances linked to microorganisms such as ergot, Fusarium damage, mildew, smudge and Sclerotinia.
We also conduct an annual survey of Fusarium on samples submitted by producers as part of the Harvest Sample Program. This survey monitors the occurrence and frequency of Fusarium species and populations associated with Fusarium head blight in eastern and western Canada. The survey’s statistics give producers, grain handlers and others valuable information for managing the risk of Fusarium head blight on the farm and throughout the grain supply chain.
Monitoring of high-risk microorganisms in exported grain provides surveillance data to support official documents for grain exports and also ensures market access and grain safety.
Our crop variety identification research ensures that new varieties will be captured in our grain monitoring, supporting both the annual Harvest Sample Program and the work of inspection services at the Canadian Grain Commission.
Program manager
Dr. Sean Walkowiak
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Trace Organics and Trace Elements
Our research and monitoring relates to pesticides, mycotoxins, fungal biomarkers, and elemental analysis, including heavy metals, in grain. We develop, evaluate and validate analytical methods. We also monitor samples from the Harvest Sample Program and from grain export shipments. Our research focuses on how factors such as sampling, processing, agronomic practices, or environmental conditions affect the presence of pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals and other elements, and fungal biomarkers, such as ergosterol, in grain.
Grain samples digested using an UltraWAVE microwave digestion system for trace element analysis.
Our relevance to the grain sector
Our work directly supports a number of Canadian Grain Commission activities and helps the Canadian grain industry on topics related to grain safety.
Through cargo monitoring, we generate data for Statements of Assurance. These statements give exporters and importers science-based assurance that Canadian grain meets safety requirements.
Through the Harvest Sample Program, our research provides a scientific basis for a number of grading factors, including Fusarium-damaged kernels and ergot. Our program also monitors how tolerance levels for grading factors manage the presence of mycotoxins in Canadian grain.
Through our monitoring and research, we can assess trends in the occurrence of pesticides, mycotoxins, trace elements, and heavy metals in grain over time or across geographic regions. By analyzing grain that is suspected to be contaminated the Canadian Grain Commission and private grain companies can identify contaminated grain and prevent it from entering the grain handling system.
Program manager
Dr. Sheryl Tittlemier
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