Review of CWRS and CPSR wheat classes to begin

WINNIPEG, May 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Stakeholders expressed strong support in their responses to the Canadian Grain Commission proposal to protect the quality, consistency and end use performance of the Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) and Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) wheat classes.

As a result, a review of the varieties assigned to the CWRS and CPSR wheat classes will be initiated immediately. Letters will be sent to CWRS and CPSR variety owners requesting that they indicate, before the end of May 2015, their intention to complete additional trials or to transition their variety to a different class. 

Further decisions regarding the modernized wheat class system will be announced once the Canadian Grain Commission has reviewed further information and input regarding market demand, and has determined an appropriate class and transition period for identified varieties that do not meet the criteria for CWRS or CPSR wheat.

An interim wheat class will be put in place for the Faller and Prosper wheat varieties, which recently received interim registration from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and could include the ND Elgin wheat variety, which was supported for interim registration by the Prairie Grain Development Committee (PGDC) if it becomes registered by the CFIA. This will allow the Canadian Grain Commission to assess the viability of a new wheat class before making a decision on the permanence of the class.

Quick facts

• The consultation period for the Canadian Grain Commission's proposal to modernize Canada's wheat class system ended April 20, 2015.
• The objective of the proposal for modernizing Canada's wheat class system was to:
  • Review the current Canadian wheat classes.
  • Enhance the consistency of Canadian wheat classes to support marketability.
  • Add a new wheat class to include new varieties wanted by producers and customers of Canadian grain.
• The Canadian Grain Commission received 45 formal written submissions from a range of stakeholders representing more than 150 commodity and producer organizations, industry organizations, government departments, domestic and international wheat customers, grain handlers and marketers, plant breeders, and seed companies and growers.
• The proposal for modernizing Canada's wheat class system was accessed over 2000 times on the Canadian Grain Commission's web site during the consultation period.

Quotes

"Stakeholders advised caution in introducing a new wheat class. With that in mind, any decision made on a new wheat class will be based on careful study of potential market demand, farm gate value, and grade structure."
Elwin Hermanson,
Chief Commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission

Related products

• Summary of stakeholder feedback (Wheat Class Modernization Consultation) http://www.grainscanada.gc.ca/consultations/2015/summary-resume/classes-en.htm

Associated links

• Canadian wheat classes http://www.grainscanada.gc.ca/wheat-ble/classes/classes-eng.htm
• Variety designation lists http://www.grainscanada.gc.ca/legislation-legislation/orders-arretes/ocgcm-maccg-eng.htm

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

Related Links

http://www.grainscanada.gc.ca