Grain delivery declarations
Building on Karen Briere’s article, Grain delivery declarations should not be taken lightly, on page 1 of the Jan. 30 issue, I would like to take this opportunity to further clarify the Canada Grain Act requirements when it comes to grain delivery declarations.
There are some important differences between the Declaration of Eligibility for Delivery of Grain required under law and the commercial declarations that are often required by grain buyers.
Read Also
Determining tariff compensation will be difficult but necessary
Prime minister Mark Carney says his government will support canola farmers, yet estimating the loss and paying compensation in an equitable fashion will be no easy task, but it can be done.
A Declaration of Eligibility for Delivery of Grain is required from producers to confirm that the grain they are delivering is a variety that is eligible for the kind/class of grain being sold.
For example, if a producer is delivering a truckload of wheat and seeking payment for a CWRS class, they must sign a declaration to confirm they grew wheat from a variety that is designated to the CWRS class. This is required by the Canada Grain Act.
A commercial declaration is a contractual document that includes commercial requirements or information needed for grain marketing.
For example, a buyer may require a producer sign a declaration that their crop was not treated with specific input products. This is required under the terms of the grain company’s contract.
While the reasons for the declarations are different, grain companies may choose to combine both types of declaration into a single form for administrative efficiency. They may also choose to include the Declaration of Eligibility for Delivery of Grain as part of their grain delivery contracts.
However, they must clearly identify the declaration wording required by the Canada Grain Act and show it as a separate and distinct section.
As part of the CGC’s licensing process, we review licensees’ declarations to ensure this happens. Producers also have the right to ask that the grain company use the prescribed Declaration of Eligibility for Delivery of Grain form instead of a combined document.
It is important to note that, while grain companies may set out contract obligations and penalties associated with the commercial declaration portion, the penalties set out by the Canada Grain Act only apply to the producer’s declaration regarding the variety they are delivering, and not other contract requirements.
At the Canadian Grain Commission, we are very proud of the role we play in Canada’s grain quality assurance system. By declaring the eligibility of the crops they deliver, producers are providing valuable information that protects Canada’s reputation as a consistent supplier of high-quality grains, which benefits Canadian producers, the grain sector and all Canadians.
David Hunt,
Chief commissioner
Canadian Grain Commission
Imported beef questioned
We should be ashamed of ourselves.
I read in the Western Producer dated Feb. 13, 2025, that we imported $39 million of beef from England.
When I drive around the country, I see a lot of alkaline soil, sandy soil, hilly land and land with sloughs. This land should be hayed or pastured for cattle.
When you have cattle, I know that you can’t go away for the winter.
Warren Iverson
Meota, Sask.
