The largest buyer of Canadian red lentils wants changes made to grading standards. Saskcan Pulse Trading Inc. says existing Canadian Grain Commission rules do not account for wrinkling and staining of kernels, two quality problems commonly found in Western Canada but rare in other lentil production regions. Company president Murad Al-Katib said wrinkling and staining […] Read more
Sean Pratt
Stories by Sean Pratt
Voters support CWB: single deskers
Single desk supporters are declaring victory in a 2004 Canadian Wheat Board election marred by administrative glitches, court challenges and low voter turnout. Pro-monopoly candidates triumphed in all four even-numbered districts where voters cast ballots. Jim Chatenay, who took District 2 by acclamation, was the only dual market proponent to gain a directorship. “I think […] Read more
Observers reject status quo conclusion
The 2005 version of the Canadian Wheat Board looks remarkably similar to the 2004 model. Incumbents were returned to office in four of the five even-numbered districts in which director elections were held late last year. In the one district where there was a change, single desk supporter Butch Harder was replaced by a candidate […] Read more
Disgruntled candidate will pursue wheat board lawsuit
The Canadian Wheat Board entered the new year with a fully intact board of directors thanks to a decision from a Federal Court judge, but it remains to be seen whether it will stay that way. The judicial decision stems from a statement of claim filed by District 8 candidate Art Mainil who alleged the […] Read more
Low-carb wheat not an option
Don’t expect breeding programs to produce new lines of low-carbohydrate cereal crops anytime soon. That type of crop modification is an inherently difficult process, say wheat and barley developers. “They’re essentially starch crops,” said Rick Holm, director of the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre. “A low-starch or a low-carbohydrate wheat is kind of an […] Read more
FCL credits retail for 2004 milestone
Breaking records has become a broken record for Federated Co-operatives Ltd., so it comes as no surprise Canada’s top co-op has once again achieved a new height in sales and earnings in 2004. FCL, which provides wholesaling, manufacturing and administrative services to nearly 300 western Canadian retail co-ops, recorded $3.8 billion in sales, up $275 […] Read more
Organic yield hard to tally
Federal and provincial statisticians have compiled their year-end lists of production estimates for almost every crop from spring wheat to sunflower seed. Noticeably absent from those reports is an estimate of Canada’s organic grain production. The only source for that kind of information is an annual survey of certifiers conducted by Canadian Organic Growers, a […] Read more
Exports caught in Brazilian tax case
Some Canadian exporters are awaiting payment from shipments of canaryseed sent to Brazil last spring, says the president of the Canadian Special Crops Association. The problem stems from a tax investigation involving a group of Brazilian importers that prompted government authorities to freeze the companies’ assets. “It just so happens that Canadian canaryseed is one […] Read more
Biotech advocate warns of research slowdown
When Monsanto parked Roundup Ready wheat it put the brakes on biotech research in Canada, says a spokesperson for the biotech industry. Research is still happening here but the pace has slowed compared to China and Brazil where aggressive biotech programs have led to useful developments in crops like rice and soybeans. “We’re going to […] Read more
India not current player in global pulse trade
Pulse growers shouldn’t count on India to pull them out of a marketing quagmire, says one of Canada’s largest pulse exporters. “Marketwise they’re really not there. They’re just not looking that hard,” said Rob Tisdale, special crops manager for Agricore United. As the world’s biggest producer and consumer of pulses, India sets the tone for […] Read more
