Anyone wanting to introduce new technology into Canada’s grain grading system, whether to determine falling numbers in wheat or identify grain samples by variety, now knows exactly what they’ll have to do to make it happen.
The Canadian Grain Commission has adopted a “template” setting out a formalized 17-stage process for evaluating and approving new grading technology.
The commission says the new system will ensure that new proposals are thoroughly tested to ensure they work as advertised and benefit all stakeholders in the production, handling and transportation system.
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It will also guarantee that everyone in the industry has input into the approval process.
“It is important that we have a transparent and thorough process so that we can assess the risks and benefits for producers and other industry stakeholders that may result from the introduction of technology,” said CGC chief commissioner Chris Hamblin.
The commission said using the template will ensure that the equipment, calibrations and methods associated with new grading technology will produce consistent and reliable results under operational conditions.
It also requires that for the first two years after a new technology is introduced, the grain commission must provide a follow-up report at each meeting of its western standards committee.
Len Seguin, the CGC’s chief grain inspector, said while the commission generally followed a similar process in assessing new technology, it’s good to have it written down and formalized.
“It lays out a process that’s more defined and more transparent,” he said. “Everyone will know how we’re going to do this: exporters, grain companies, producers, equipment manufacturers.”
A key component of the new system is that at several stages it requires comment from various stakeholders, a feature that should ensure everybody’s interests are taken into account.
“They know when that’s going to be and they know that it’s not going to go beyond that point until they have had their input,” Seguin said.
The template was approved at an April 14 meeting of the western standards committee, a 25-member group made up of producers, processors, exporters, CGC staff members and representatives from the Canadian Wheat Board and Agriculture Canada.
Committee member Tom Dennehy, a farmer from Vanguard, Sask., said it’s a good idea to set up a system in which everyone will know all the procedures that must be followed to bring in new technology.
“There will be no surprises,” he said. “All proposals will get scrutinized by the people in the industry to make sure it benefits everyone in the system.”
Seguin said the new system should ensure a smoother and potentially more rapid adoption of beneficial grading technology.
“You shouldn’t be backtracking and starting over as much, so there are efficiencies and cost savings in that respect.”
