Grading changes in Canadian fababeans, chickpeas and wheat made for safety and quality

November 16, 2016 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Canadian Grain Commission

As of July 1, 2017 all grades of fababeans will have an ergot tolerance of 0.05% in eastern Canada. In western Canada, all grades of fababeans and chickpeas will have an ergot tolerance of 0.05% as of August 1, 2017. Ergot is a cereal disease that is toxic to people and animals. Ergot does not occur in these crops, but cross-contamination can occur during handling. Adding a tolerance for ergot in fababeans and chickpeas will help guarantee the safety of Canadian grain. A tolerance of 0.05% is consistent with the other pulses in the Official Grain Grading Guide.

The tolerance for grasshopper and army worm damage in No. 3 Canada Western Red Spring, No. 3 Canada Western Hard White Spring and No. 3 Canada Northern Hard Red wheat will be tightened from 8% to 6%, effective August 1, 2017. The tolerance for grasshopper and army worm damage was tightened after research showed that 8% grasshopper and army worm damage can impact end-use functionality.

These changes are based on recommendations made to the Canadian Grain Commission by the Eastern Standards Committee and the Western Standards Committee at their meetings in November. The Canadian Grain Commission also reiterated its commitment to continuing to evaluate new technologies for objectively assessing grain for factors such as deoxynivalenol (DON).

Quick facts

• Following the recommendations of the Eastern Standards Committee and the Western Standards Committee, the Canadian Grain Commission has adopted new standard samples for:
  • Soybeans, No. 1 Canada Yellow
  • Peas, No. 1 Canada Yellow
  • Peas, No. 2 Canada Yellow
  • Peas, No. 2 Canada Green
• Following the recommendations of the Western Standards Committee, the Canadian Grain Commission has adopted new mildew guides for:
  • Wheat, No. 1 Canada Western Red Spring
  • Wheat, No. 2 Canada Western Red Spring
  • Wheat, No. 3 Canada Western Red Spring
  • Wheat, No. 1 Canada Western Amber Durum
  • Wheat, No. 2 Canada Western Amber Durum
  • Wheat, No. 3 Canada Western Amber Durum
  • Wheat, No. 1 Canada Western Red Winter
  • Wheat, No. 2 Canada Western Red Winter
• The new standard samples and guide samples took effect November 15, 2016
• Standard samples and guide samples previously adopted for other grades and grains will continue to be used

Associated links

• Eastern Standards Committee
• Western Standards Committee
• Official Grain Grading Guide

Contact

Derek Bunkowsky
Inspection Specialist
Canadian Grain Commission
204-297-8541
derek.bunkowsky@grainscanada.gc.ca

Canadian Grain Commission

The Canadian Grain Commission is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The Canadian Grain Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producers’ rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.