WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — The Canadian Grain Commission wants to update and improve producers’ access to grain grading dispute resolution referred to as “Subject to Inspector’s Grade and Dockage.”

The CGC is proposing an extension of the timeframe in which producers can dispute a primary elevator’s grade and dockage assessment. Producers would be able to dispute their grain’s grade and dockage even if they are not present at the time of delivery, as many producers hire truck drivers or commercial hauling services to deliver their grain.

The changes would add some flexibility for producers and elevators to agree to location and timing on sample retention, while also specifying that samples must be retained for at least 7 days (unless otherwise agreed to) to give producers time to consider grading results and trigger dispute resolution.

“The Canadian Grain Commission is moving quickly to respond to grain sector feedback and make improvements for producers within our current legislation,” said Doug Chorney, chief commissioner, CGC. “We look forward to engaging with our stakeholders across the grain sector to make sure ‘Subject to Inspector’s Grade and Dockage’ keeps pace with the changing realities of grain handling and delivery in Canada.”

The proposed changes are in response to feedback from producers, producer associations and elevator operators about grain grading dispute resolution received during the recent Canada Grain Act review consultations. While work continues on the broader response to the Canada Grain Act consultation, the CGC is moving to address specific feedback on “Subject to” within its existing regulations.

“The proposed improvements would be an important first win for grain farmers, in response to the feedback we received during the Canada Grain Act review consultations,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

The consultation is open until midnight on Feb. 28, 2022.