WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA – Representatives from 14 countries are attending the 48th International Grain Industry Program at the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) in Winnipeg, Canada starting July 20. The two-week program will offer 27 international customers an overview of the Canadian grain and field crop industry with an emphasis on wheat and pulses and their use in end products.

The participants include senior representatives from trading organizations, mills, and processing companies from Bangladesh, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the U. K. In addition, representatives from Cereals Canada and the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) are attending.

 While at Cigi the group will participate in classroom sessions and technical demonstrations on Canadian grains and pulses including an introduction to the Canadian industry, inspection and grading, handling, transportation, marketing, and technology.

“Each year the International Grain Industry Program provides a unique opportunity to meet and interact with a number of senior representatives from companies from around the world that buy Canadian grain,” said Rick Morgan, Cigi manager of business development, who is chairing the program. “Customers gain a better understanding of the Canadian grain industry which also serves to help maintain Canada’s competitiveness in the face of stiff competition in the marketplace. This ultimately benefits the entire value chain.”

The participants will learn about the processes involved in milling, baking, Asian products, pasta, and analytical services through presentations, discussions, and hands-on demonstrations in Cigi’s pilot facilities. They will also have an opportunity to meet with senior industry representatives from grower organizations, grain companies, Cereals Canada, the CGC, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre.

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