Grain handlers and farmers are welcoming a federal government review of weights and measures in the grain industry.
Measurement Canada, the federal agency in charge of ensuring the accuracy and fairness of commercial measuring equipment, has turned its attention to the grain industry.
Terry Pugh, executive director of the National Farmers Union, said the review is welcome and long overdue.
“This could be a really good thing, but in our view it should have been done six or seven years ago,” he said.
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He said the NFU has no specific complaints about the accuracy of measuring devices, such as scales or protein testers, and generally has confidence in the system and in Measurement Canada.
But it would like to see more frequent mandatory scale inspections, once or twice a year, rather than periodic random inspections, as is now the case.
“I think a lot of farmers are under the impression that all of the scales out there are inspected on a regular ongoing basis, but they’re not,” he said.
Over time, scales and other measuring devices are bound to get out of whack, he said.
“Scales are mechanical and they need to be inspected,” said Pugh. “I’m not suggesting anyone is doing anything on purpose, I’m just saying that’s what happens.”
Wade Sobkowich of the Western Grain Elevators Association said grain handlers are also pleased the review is taking place.
“This review makes sense either to determine if the current situation is OK or if it needs changes.”
Sobkowich said it’s in the interests of everyone in the industry, from farmers to grain handlers to end-use customers, to ensure that measuring devices are fair and accurate.
“Grain companies have a commercial interest to keep things right,” he said. “If they don’t, they’re going to lose on one side or the other, to the farmer or to the customer.”
He added most companies already do more than is required by law in terms of inspecting and maintaining the accuracy of their scales because it’s in their financial interest to do so.
Pugh said the NFU would also like to see all inspections carried out by Measurement Canada, rather than having the work contracted out to private sector companies.
Sobkowich said grain companies have no objection in principle to contracting if it makes service more readily available and cost effective, while at the same time maintaining high standards of accuracy.
