Canadian Grain Commission Proposing To Update Producers’ Access To Grain Grading Dispute Resolution

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is proposing to update and improve producers’ access to grain grading dispute resolution, commonly known as “Subject to Inspector’s Grade and Dockage.”The CGC is proposing to extend the time frame in which producers can exercise their right to dispute a primary elevator’s grade and dockage assessment.

“The Canadian Grain Commission is moving quickly to respond to grain sector feedback and make improvements for producers within our current legislation. 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,” said CGC Chief Commissioner Doug Chorney.

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 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.

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