Buyers looking for feed peas will no longer see foreign material listed
as one of the grading factors in Canadian product.
The current grade of Canadian feed peas allows a tolerance of up to six
percent total foreign material. But as of Aug. 1, it will be a factor
that is negotiated separately between buyers and sellers.
“This proposal represents a successful and effective resolution to a
long-standing issue affecting the marketing of feed peas, and it is the
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result of a co-operative effort by representatives from all sides of
the issue,” said Albert Schatzke, assistant chief commissioner of the
Canadian Grain Commission.
Pulse grower groups have been lobbying the grain commission to get rid
of the foreign material grading factor for years.
“I don’t think it’s going to change how peas are handled in the
country. It’s probably not going to change how peas are handled at the
terminal. But in the long term it’s going to change the world
perception of our feed pea commodity,” said Janette McDonald, general
manager of Alberta Pulse Growers.
Foreign material is the screenings from peas and other crops that are
often added to shipments of feed peas at the ports. It’s a way for
export terminals to get some value for screenings.
The trade resisted original proposals to decrease the allowable
percentage of foreign material, but appears satisfied with the idea of
negotiating levels on the side.
“I think it’s something the trade very much supports,” said Francois
Catellier, executive director of the Canadian Special Crops Association.
Foreign material will still be assessed by the commission, but will be
reported separately as an item of analysis rather than a grade
determining factor.
Remaining as grading factors are the percentage of heated and bin-burnt
seeds, inert material, ergot, excreta, pulses other than green and
yellow peas, and fireburned seeds.
McDonald said Canada has an international reputation for not having the
cleanest product as a result of the foreign material issue.
“I think it’s a big breakthrough.”
