WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — Representatives from 15 countries are attending the 46th International Grain Industry Program at the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, starting July 8. 

The two-week program, which will mark the second year Cigi has held the program independently, will offer 23 international customers a broad overview of the Canadian field crop industry with an emphasis on wheat and pulses and their use in end products.

The participants include representatives from trading organizations, mills, and processing companies from Algeria, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, the U.S. and Venezuela. In addition, a representative from the Canadian Grain Commission is attending. While at Cigi the group will participate in classroom sessions and technical demonstrations on Canadian grains including an introduction to the Canadian industry, inspection and grading, handling, transportation, marketing, and technology. 

“This is the second time Cigi is independently running this program for international customers which will see even more participants than last year, making it our largest group since de-regulation of the grain industry,” said Rick Morgan, Cigi manager of business development and director of the program. “The program aims to improve their understanding of the Canadian grain industry as Cigi continues to build on these important customer relationships, making ourselves available as a resource.”

The program will include presentations, discussions, and hands-on demonstrations using Canadian field crops in Cigi’s pilot facilities that will give participants an opportunity to experience the processes involved with milling, baking, Asian products, pasta, and analytical services. They will also have an opportunity to interact with industry representatives including those presenting from grower organizations, grain companies, the CGC, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre.

While at Cigi the group will also tour a grain farm, primary elevator, the CGC, and CMBTC facilities. Toward the end of the program, they will travel to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where they will visit the CGC, a terminal elevator, and Port of Vancouver.