Grain industry representatives have enthusiastically embraced government plans to eliminate kernel visual distinguishability (KVD) from the grain grading system by 2010 but they also cautioned that preparations must be methodical and thorough if the change is to work.
During a grain industry symposium organized Nov. 19-20 by the Canada Grains Council and Grain Growers of Canada, producers discussed the issue at workshops and overwhelmingly agreed with the policy.
Chuck Fossay from Keystone Agricultural Producers reported from one workshop that the move will give plant breeders the flexibility to create new varieties for feed and biofuel. He said there was agreement that it will attract new researchers to the field.
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But it also will put new pressure on the industry and growers to make sure grades and varieties that are promised in shipments are what is actually being delivered.
“It will create a new set of risks for producers and the whole grain system,” he reported from the workshop.
Removal of the KVD rule prohibiting new varieties that are not visibly different from hard red spring wheat will require more testing, truthful reports from producers about what they are shipping and more costs in the system, he said.
“Let’s make sure we have a system in place before we go all the way.”
Richard Phillips, executive director of Grain Growers of Canada, reported that his workshop saw the opportunity for more private research money flowing into the system and development of new insect and disease-resistant varieties.
However, he said producers must be willing to take responsibility for what they ship.
And there was debate about who should pay for the higher costs of increased testing.
Phillips said history suggests the costs will be pushed down to the producer level.
“We tend to know which way the trend goes.”
Jim Wilson, past-president of Grain Growers of Canada, said the third workshop concluded the post-KVD system will have to include penalties for misrepresentation of shipment contents. Amendments to the Canada Grain Act should add a penalty clause. Penalties for breach of contract could also be written into private contracts between shippers and buyers.
“We have to make sure our end users remain confident that we will continue to deliver the quality of grain they want,” he said.
The speakers said government, the Canadian Grain Commission and industry leaders must start an education campaign for producers, shippers, handlers and customers about the new rules.
KVD is to end for minor grain classes next year and for durum and red spring wheat on Aug. 1, 2010.
