Canaryseed Moisture and Eastern Wheat Update

Summary#

This is the Order Amending the Off Grades of Grain and Grades of Screenings Order: SOR/2021-177, made by the Canadian Grain Commission. It adds rules for canaryseed moisture levels and reorganizes some eastern wheat classes. The changes took effect August 1, 2021 (or on registration if later).

What it does#

• Adds canaryseed to Schedule I with moisture thresholds that define when the seed is considered "tough" or "damp":
  • Tough: 13.1% to 17.0% moisture.
  • Damp: over 17.0% moisture.
• Updates Schedule III for eastern wheat classes by:
  • Creating a consolidated class called Wheat, Canada Eastern Other Wheats.
  • Removing several older eastern wheat classes (the order repeals the items that listed them).
• Makes a few technical housekeeping changes to the order’s text (short title and a couple of section references were replaced or repealed).

Who's affected#

• Canaryseed growers and sellers.
  • The change follows consultations with groups such as the Canary Seed Development Commission of Saskatchewan and registered buyers.
• Grain handlers, graders, third-party inspection companies, and buyers who grade or move canaryseed.
• Farmers, breeders, processors and buyers of eastern Canadian wheat, because some wheat classes were combined into Wheat, Canada Eastern Other Wheats.
• The Canadian Grain Commission and industry grading bodies that implement and enforce the grade tables and moisture rules.

Why it matters#

• Adding canaryseed to the order gives its producers a clear, official moisture standard for grading. It also aligns with its designation under the Canada Grain Act, which affects access to CGC services and protections.
• Combining eastern wheat classes simplifies the grading system. That can make it easier to market, handle and breed eastern wheats by reducing class complexity.
• For farmers and buyers, the changes affect how grain lots are classified and therefore how they may be priced, handled, insured or made eligible for certain CGC programs (for example, the CGC’s Safeguards for Grain Farmers Protection Program is linked to designation under the Act).