ARCHIVED - RPP 2006-2007
Canadian Grain Commission

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SECTION I - OVERVIEW

Minister's message

Welcome to the Canadian Grain Commission's Report on Plans and Priorities 2006-07. The report details how the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) intends to use its resources to carry out its responsibilities to protect grain producers' interests and to ensure a dependable commodity for Canada's international and domestic markets. The report also sets the standards by which the CGC's performance in meeting its objectives can be assessed.

Canada is known around the world for the quality, consistency, reliability and safety of its grain and grain products. This is a key factor in permitting Canadian exporters to market successfully in competitive international grain markets. In addition, an effective quality assurance system is essential for producers in order to realize maximum value from their grain in the face of the current challenging economic environment.

The CGC has a long-term commitment to building and maintaining a strong quality assurance system for the Canadian grain industry from producers to customers. In order to do this, the CGC must not only respond to historical challenges facing the grain quality assurance system, but also must anticipate and respond to significant technological advancements and other changes in the grain industry. Accordingly, CGC operations directly support Canada's efforts to brand Canadian agriculture as a leader in food safety and quality, science and innovation, and business risk management.

Bill C-40, An Act to Amend the Canada Grain Act and the Canada Transportation Act, came into force on August 1, 2005, requiring an independent and comprehensive review of the CGC and the provisions and operation of the Canada Grain Act. This review is part of an integrated strategic approach to the future of the Canadian grains sector for long-term success. It will provide guidance as to how the CGC can effectively add more value to Canadian producers and the grain industry in general.

The Report on Plans and Priorities highlights the CGC's plans to continue to provide an effective grain quality assurance system that enhances the marketing of Canadian grain in the interests of producers.

The Honourable Chuck Strahl
Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food

Chief Commissioner's message

Welcome to the Canadian Grain Commission's (CGC) Report on Plans and Priorities for the fiscal year 2006-2007.

The CGC is the federal agency responsible for setting standards of quality and regulating Canada's grain handling system. Our vision is to be a leader in delivering excellence and innovation in grain quality and quantity assurance, research, and producer protection.

The quality assurance program delivered by the CGC assures consistent and reliable grain quality that meets the needs of international and domestic markets. The CGC is continually building on the grain quality assurance system to maintain market competitiveness and Canada's reputation as a consistent supplier of quality grain. The CGC is working alongside the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food's (AAFC) portfolio partners and the grain industry to add value to Canadian producers and Canada's grain quality assurance system.

Today, competitive markets and international standards and legislation are increasing demands for both grain quality and grain safety assurances. The CGC continues to deliver its mandated and regulatory responsibilities while re-allocating resources to new and emerging issues, but has faced significant funding pressures in recent years. The organization looks forward to the recommendations that will result from the independent and comprehensive review of the CGC and the Canada Grain Act that will take place in the coming year.

This report outlines the CGC's plans and priorities for the fiscal year 2006-2007. I am confident that our strategies will improve the grain quality assurance system and help achieve maximum value for producers and Canadians overall.

Chris Hamblin
Chief Commissioner

Management Representation Statement

I submit for tabling in Parliament, the 2006-07 Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP) for the Canadian Grain Commission.

This document has been prepared based on the reporting principles contained in the Guide for the Preparation of Part III of the 2006-2007 Estimates: Reports on Plans and Priorities and Departmental Performance Reports:

• It adheres to the specific reporting requirements outlined in the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS);
• It is based on the department's approved Program Activity Architecture structure as reflected in its Management, Resources, and Results Structure;
• It presents consistent, comprehensive, balanced and accurate information;
• It provides a basis of accountability for the results achieved with the resources and authorities entrusted to it; and
• It reports finances based on approved planned spending numbers from the TBS in the RPP.

Gordon Miles
Chief Operating Officer

Program Activity Architecture (PAA) Crosswalk

The following table provides a crosswalk to demonstrate the changes in CGC reporting structure as these apply to our strategic outcomes and Report on Plans and Priorities commitments used for previous 2005-06 reporting.

2000-2007
	Program Activity 1	Program Activity 2	Program Activity 3	Program Activity 4	Total
Financial Information $(000's)	Deliver inspection and testing services	Deliver weighing services	Conduct research to understand and measure grain quality	Protect producers' rights
Strategic Outcome 1
A grain quality assurance system that addresses the changing requirements of domestic and international grain markets	49 363				49 363
Strategic Outcome 2
A grain quantity assurance system that addresses the changing needs of the grain industry		15 996			15 996
Strategic Outcome 3
Research and development on grain quality that enhances the marketability of Canadian grain			9 171		9 171
Strategic Outcome 4
Producers' rights are supported to ensure fair treatment within the grain handling system				2 208	2 208
Total	49 363	15 996	9 171	2 208	76 738

Summary Information

Reason for existence:

Mandate

The CGC administers the provisions of the Canada Grain Act (CGA). The CGC's mandate as set out in this Act is to, in the interests of producers, establish and maintain standards of quality for Canadian grain and regulate grain handling in Canada, to ensure a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets.

Vision

The CGC vision is to be "A leader in delivering excellence and innovation in grain quality and quantity assurance, research, and producer protection."

Department Description and Accountability

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is the Minister responsible for the CGC. The CGC is headed by a Chief Commissioner, an Assistant Chief Commissioner, and a Commissioner who are all appointed by the Governor in Council. The Chief Commissioner reports to the Minister. The Chief Operating Officer reports to the Chief Commissioner and co-ordinates the activities of the CGC's operating divisions.

The CGC is organized into the Executive, Corporate Services, Grain Research Laboratory (GRL), Industry Services, and Finance divisions. Its head office is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Industry Services comprises five regions: Bayport, Eastern, Pacific, Prairie and Thunder Bay. As of March 31, 2005, the CGC employed 621 full-time equivalents and operated 20 offices across Canada.

The CGC may have up to six Assistant Commissioners for the main grain producing areas of Canada, also appointed by the Governor in Council. At present, the CGC has five Assistant Commissioners. The Assistant Commissioners deal with producer and grain industry complaints and inquiries, and publicize the activities of the CGC at the farm level. Section III provides further detail on the CGC's organizational structure.

The CGC enhances grain marketing in producers' interest through the inspection, weighing, research and producer support programs and services identified in the strategic outcomes in Section II. The uniform provision of these programs results in equitable grain transactions and consistent and reliable grain shipments. Funding for CGC programs and activities is primarily through a combination of revolving fund and appropriation sources.

Departmental Priorities

1. Ongoing delivery of the CGC mandate under the CGA in a climate of constantly changing international and domestic markets, technological advancements, and evolving end-user needs and preferences.
2. Positioning the Canadian grain quality assurance system (GQAS) to remain relevant and to support the continued competitiveness of Canadian grains in both domestic and international markets.
3. Licensing Compliance.
4. Sustainable CGC funding mechanism.

Financial resources ($ thousands)

2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009
76 738	46 557	46 557

Human Resources

2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009
712	432	432

Departmental Priorities

	Type	Planned Spending ($ thousands)
			2006-2007	2006-2007	2008-2009
Strategic Outcome 1: A grain quality assurance system that addresses the changing requirements of domestic and international grain markets
Priority #1	Ongoing	Key Program/Service: 1. Deliver inspection and testing services for the quality assurance system	39 809	25 186	25 186
		2. Provide scientific and technical support	4 927	3 117	3 117
Priority #2	Ongoing	3. Modify the system to meet changing requirements	4 627	2 928	2 928
Priority #4*	New	All key programs/services	56	56	56
Strategic Outcome 2: A grain quantity assurance system that addresses the changing needs of the grain industry
Priority #1	Ongoing	Key Program/Service: 1. Deliver weighing services for the quantity assurance system	15 007	8 722	8 722
		2. Technical support of the quantity assurance system	742	431	431
Priority #2	Ongoing	2. Technical support of the quantity assurance system	247	144	144
Priority #4*	New	All key programs/services	56	56	56
Strategic Outcome 3: Research and development on grain quality that enhances the marketability of Canadian grain
Priority #1	Ongoing	Key Program/Service: 3. Research new grain standards	458	208	208
Priority #2	Ongoing	1. Research methods to measure grain quality	4127	1870	1870
		2. Research new quality factors	4127	1870	1870
		3. Research new grain standards	459	208	208
Priority #4*	New	All key programs/services	56	56	56
Strategic Outcome 4: Producers' rights are supported to ensure fair treatment within the grain handling industry
Priority #1	Ongoing	Key Program/Service: 1. Administer the licensing and financial security system	528	447	447
		2. Manage the allocation of railcars for individual requests	164	140	140
		3. Fair treatment of producers by grains companies and dealers	417	354	354
		4. Provision of grain quality information to producers	155	131	131
Priority #3	Ongoing	1. Administer the licensing and financial security system	528	447	447
		3. Fair treatment of producers by grains companies and dealers	416	353	353
Priority #4*	New	All key programs/services	56	56	56

*Priority #4 has been identified for information purposes only. These costs are already included within each strategic outcome.

Departmental Plans and Priorities

The Canadian grain industry operates in a climate of constant change stemming from shifting international and domestic markets, technological advancements, and evolving end-user needs and preferences. Canada's quality assurance system must be able to adapt to keep pace with the evolution of the global grain industry. This is particularly important considering Canada exported more than $26 billion dollars worth of agriculture and agri-food products in 2004. About 37% of these exports were grains, oilseeds and related products with an estimated value of $9.8 billion

The departmental plans and priorities of the CGC delineate its response to the continual changes in the grain industry and are directed at meeting the sector's current needs. The following section outlines the major priorities of the CGC during the planning period. It should be noted that while some of the priorities have very significant potential to impact on the capacity of the CGC to carry out its mandate, the resource commitments are based on the maintenance of ongoing CGC operations.

These departmental priorities are critical to making significant progress towards the realization of the CGC's strategic outcomes and are focused on, and committed to, delivering excellence and innovation in grain quality and quantity assurance, innovative research, and producer protection. The relationships between CGC priorities, strategic outcomes, and program activities are further detailed in Section II.

Priority #1 : Ongoing delivery of the CGC mandate under the CGA in a climate of constantly changing international and domestic markets, technological advancements, and evolving end-user needs and preferences.

The CGC will continue to fulfil its mandate through the operation of a national Grain Quality Assurance System (GQAS). This entails effective inspection, weighing, monitoring, and grain sanitation programs to ensure grain exports are uniform and consistent with regard to intrinsic quality and grain safety assurance, while at the same time ensuring fair grain transactions. In addition, the CGC's research and development on grain quality will continue in order to enhance the marketability of Canadian grain.

The first priority of the CGC is to continue consistent daily delivery of programs and services within each of its organizational divisions that support the CGC's strategic outcomes and program activities:

a. Industry Services:

• Inspection Services - outward and inward, reinspection and quality control, quality assurance standards, analytical services, dispute resolution services, certification and accreditation
• Weighing Services - outward and inward, dispute resolution
• Registration and cancellation processes

b. Grain Research Laboratory (GRL):

• Cereals, oilseeds and pulse research
• Grain safety assurance - monitoring and research
• Objective grading method development
• Variety identification - monitoring and research
• Quality monitoring and assurance
• Adventitious presence and GM detection

c. Corporate Services:

• Communication services
• Information services
• Administration
• Policy, planning, and producer protection
• Statistical services
• Health and safety services

d. Finance Division:

• Accounts payable and receivable
• Budgeting
• Costing and cost recovery
• Internal audit
• Procurement

Priority #2: Positioning the Canadian GQAS to Remain Relevant and to Support the Continued Competitiveness of Canadian grains in both Domestic and International Markets.

Canada's robust GQAS has permitted Canadian grain to be "branded" internationally for many years, providing Canada with a competitive advantage in the global grain market. However, the sensitivities of international grain buyers are increasing and generating more and more specific end-use and certification requirements. As such, the CGC has recognized the importance of continuing to evolve and refine the Canadian GQAS to remain relevant and competitive in both the domestic and international marketplaces.

The CGC is continually developing and implementing many programs, initiatives, and new research methods and processes aimed at strengthening the Canadian GQAS.

Currently, Canada's kernel visual distinguishability (KVD) requirement for wheat allows quick and cost effective segregation of wheat into quality classes based on visual distinguishability. While KVD has provided Canadian wheat growers a competitive quality advantage, there are compelling reasons to move away from wheat segregation based solely on KVD. These include:

• Increasing demands for new varieties with different agronomic, disease resistance and end-use qualities to meet human (food), livestock (feed) and industrial (e.g., ethanol) needs. Presently, KVD is an additional criterion that plant breeders must incorporate into the development of new varieties.
• Nonregistered, visually indistinguishable varieties have the potential to compromise the quality of Canadian wheat shipments and the entire assurance system if they are misrepresented as a registered variety or accidentally enter the bulk handling system. They can cause significant financial losses for grain handling companies and marketers and pose a particular concern for western Canada's premier milling wheats: Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) and Canada Western Amber Durum (CWAD).
• Buyers of Canadian grains are becoming more quality conscious and increasingly sophisticated. They are asking for a wider range of quality types. In order to enhance the traditional visual grading system, it is necessary to develop faster, more flexible and more precise instrumental methods to analyze intrinsic quality characteristics and to certify grain quality and safety.
• Visually indistinguishable grains developed for non-milling uses, such as animal feed, pharmaceutical, fuel and industrial purposes, will require effective instrumental tools to analyze quality parameters and certify quality and safety. Effective segregation of these grains from the food supply is essential to maintain the overall value of the quality assurance system.

There are also pressures to address KVD issues outside of cereal grains. There has been a push to develop yellow seeded (high linolenic) flax for the rapidly growing food flax industry although the yellow seeded characteristic was reserved for low linolenic solin. In addition, the development of canola quality Brassica juncea lines has created a serious KVD issue between canola and condiment mustard types as the quality characteristic differences between the two are mutually exclusive. The CGC will continue to develop rapid methods and systems that can assist in the identification of varieties of different quality types.

The various CGC programs, inititaives, research methods and processes aimed at supporting accomplishing this priority are described below:

Wheat Quality Assurance Strategy (WQAS)

To address the challenges of visually indistinguishable nonregistered wheat varieties and the constraints that KVD imposes on the development and handling of non-milling wheats, the CGC will continue to develop and implement the integrated WQAS program that was initiated in December 2003. For further information on this program refer to http://grainscanada.gc.ca/newsroom/news_releases/2003/2003-12-19-e.htm.

This strategy is composed of three elements:

1. Increased monitoring of railcar and vessel shipments for nonregistered wheat varieties

To address growing sectoral concerns, the CGC has increased its monitoring of grain shipments throughout the licensed handling system. Currently, the CGC coordinates an extensive cargo monitoring program to support its certification processes, which includes the use of electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography technology (HPLC) to monitor for nonregistered varieties and select ineligible varieties. This monitoring program provides the industry with information to help them better manage the handling system and requires that elevator operators exercise their own due diligence.

During the planning period, the CGC will continue with its increased monitoring of railcar and vessel shipments for the presence and source of nonregistered wheat varieties to support the CGC certification processes and ultimately maintain end-use processing quality and customer perceptions of Canadian grain.

2. Development of rapid affordable variety identification (VID ) technology

Variety identification, combined with objective testing, will underpin the future of the Canadian GQAS and sustain Canada's position as an international grain competitor.

In order to support grain grading and inspection, to monitor the variety composition of export shipments, and to provide assurances for variety-specific shipments of wheat and barley, the CGC has developed and continues to develop non-visual methods for VID. Knowing the variety composition of a shipment is a practical alternative for classifying grains into end-use classes. Development of this technology will help meet the needs of marketers and producers.

Currently, the CGC performs protein electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting on individual kernels of grain. Many kernels must be analysed to determine the variety composition of a sample. The long-term goal is to develop a DNA-based method that will determine the variety composition of a ground sample of grain rather than multiple individual kernels. The aim is to provide technology that accurately quantifies the variety composition of grain shipments in a timely manner in a commercial environment.

Through its VID work, the CGC will continue to be a leader in the development of VID technology, the establishment of comprehensive variety fingerprint databases for wheat and barley, and in the implementation of these tools for the benefit of Canada's grain industry. The CGC is also committed to transferring VID technology to the private sector for use in commercial VID testing.

3. The development of a proposal to restructure the western wheat classes to enable the development and integration of non-milling wheat varieties.

The CGC will continue the process regarding the proposal to restructure some western Canadian wheat classes. This proposal is aimed at enabling the development of non-milling wheats, such as high-yielding feed wheats, while continuing to protect the integrity of milling classes and grades. http://grainscanada.gc.ca/Pubs/discussions/wqas/wqas01-e.htm

Process Verification

In a marketplace with increasing global demands for unique product specifications and traceability requirements, the CGC is developing and implementing process verification programs with the goal of enhancing global acceptance of Canadian grain by delivering specific quality attributes demanded by domestic and international buyers.

Ineligible Varieties Working Group (IVWG)

The CGC is part of a grain industry working group (IVWG) whose objective is to develop protocols for sampling, testing, and process controls that will minimize the incidence of visually indistinguishable ineligible varieties being shipped to buyers under incorrect certification. The working group is investigating the potential for an industry Quality Management System that would have the CGC monitor and audit logistical processes within the Canadian grain handling system.

The IVWG is developing protocols that apply to varietal testing and process controls throughout the grain supply chain (originating at the primary elevator through to export terminals and vessel loading) for all cargo shipments of western Canadian wheat and durum that will receive a Certificate Final. The CGC is overseeing the design and plans to conduct a pilot study to determine if IVWG protocols are auditable and effective in mitigating the risks posed by ineligible varieties.

Canadian Identity Preserved Recognition System (CIPRS)

CIPRS is a voluntary tool for process verification that the industry can use to provide third party assurance of the processes used throughout the supply chain, from producer to shipper, to deliver the specific quality attributes and traceability that some domestic and international buyers require. During the 2006-07 planning period the CGC will continue to implement CIPRS to recognize industry's ability to deliver products with improved quality assurance systems for maximum acceptance in global markets. In addition, the CGC will be addressing the need to develop further tools and standards for process verification to address the need to segregate varieties with unique quality attributes within closed-loop identity preservation programs.

The CGC is also in the process of developing its CIPRS+ program and is participating in soybean and mustard pilot studies to test the on-farm and post-farm impacts of implementing food safety and quality management models for identity preserved grains. The infrastructure supporting CIPRS is being adapted to provide verification of HACCP-based processes in order to provide safety assurances for grain. For further information on the status of the CIPRS and CIPRS+ programs refer to http://grainscanada.gc.ca/prodser/ciprs/ciprs1-e.asp.

Coherent and Integrated Approach to Handling Imported Grain

The CGC will continue to support Canadian WTO obligations regarding the treatment of imported grain, while at the same time maintaining the integrity and policy objectives of the Canadian GQAS. The CGC will continue to work with appropriate government portfolio organizations and relevant industry stakeholders to explore, examine, and refine an integrated approach to handling imported grain.

Research and Objective Testing

Many international grain buyers are investigating the exporting country of origin's practices and regulations concerning such factors as registered genetically modified (GM) events, pesticide registrations and usage, and recognized grain and food safety programs. International concern is also growing with respect to the adventitious presence (AP) of grain in shipments. AP refers to the unintended, technically unavoidable presence of genetically engineered material in an agri-food commodity. The presence of adventitious materials has potentially significant impacts on the marketability of Canadian grain, and in sufficient quantities, can ultimately affect end-use characteristics and grain quality or safety.

During the planning period, the CGC will continue to augment its GQAS system with objective ways to quantify the impact of degrading factors and to assure grain quality and safety for end- users.

Genetically Modified (GM) Grains

With increasing consumer concerns, many countries are establishing GM labelling and traceability requirements. As a result, the ability to segregate GM grain and non-GM varieties is critical to maintaining Canada's international market share and meeting the requirements of the International Biosafety Protocol. The ability to segregate GM from non-GM grains will benefit exporters of Canadian food products given that there is a growing requirement to label products.

During the planning period, the CGC will continue to validate GM organism detection methods and focus research on the detection and identification of GM grains and oilseeds. The CGC will also continue to collaborate with Agriculture Portfolio partners in the development of operational and testing efficiencies to address GM organism and AP concerns.

Grain Safety

The CGC is currently developing new and improved objective methods for testing chemical residues, natural toxins, and trace elements because of the growing complexity and sophistication of regulatory and technological requirements of importing countries. Research initiatives directed at cargo specific grain safety testing for degrading factors such as fusarium and ochratoxin A are currently underway. http://grainscanada.gc.ca/Grl/grain_safety/grain_safety-e.htm

Grading System Factors - Falling Number (FN) and Rapid Viscosity Analysis (RVA)

FN is the internationally accepted measure of alpha-amylase activity - an enzyme found in sprout-damaged (germinated) wheat. Many buyers place strict limits on FN in the wheat they buy because flour damaged by alpha-amylase holds less water when mixed and results in increased costs to buyers as well as undesirable final product characteristics. Sprout damage in wheat is difficult to assess - a wheat sample containing even a small amount of severely sprouted kernels may have high levels of alpha-amylase.

In the Canadian wheat grading system, sprout damage is a visually assessed grading factor. The CGC is currently chairing a working group to determine how best to implement FN into the grading system should technology prove to be viable.

During the planning period, the CGC is committed to continuing its assessment of new RapidVisco Analyser (RVATM) technology. RVA technology offers an objective assessment of sprout damage by providing estimated FN values quickly and simply. The technology may provide the Canadian grain industry with the ability to segregate producer deliveries at the primary elevator. RVA technology may provide a solution to precise, objective results in country elevators and terminal elevators at the ports where space for specialized laboratory equipment is limited and rapid turnaround is key.

Priority #3: Licensing Compliance

In May 2005, the CGC provided notice of its intention to require compliance to the licensing provisions of the CGA to enhance producer protection and strengthen the grain quality assurance system. In order to legally conduct business, all elevators and grain dealers, as defined by the CGA, will be either licensed and secured or exempted, by August 1, 2006, or be subject to criminal prosecution.

To facilitate compliance, the CGC is working toward reducing the costs and administrative requirements of licensees. For example, the CGC is implementing measures to streamline the licence renewal process and continues to explore and evaluate alternative security instruments while still providing adequate financial protection to producers. In addition, the CGC will increase resources in the licensing, audit, and compliance operational units to address an anticipated increase in the number of licensees.

Priority #4: Sustainable CGC Funding Mechanism

The CGC is mandated to perform services as legislated by the CGA. Over the past 15 years, a combination of increasing costs and a freeze on mandatory fee levels has led to the CGC being chronically under-funded. During this time period, cost recovery levels have dropped from around 90% to between 50 and 60%. This has required the CGC to seek interim government appropriations on an annual basis.

In order to meet evolving grain industry needs, labour contract settlements, and general increases in the costs of goods and services, the CGC has engaged in an ongoing process of cost containment and internal re-allocation of resources to new and emerging priorities. The CGC will continue to seek a sustainable funding mechanism which will maintain the CGC's capacity to create value for producers, the grain industry, and the Canadian public as an integral part of a successful Canadian GQAS.S

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