Canaryseed Under CGC Discussed

SASKATOON - Jan 10/06 - SNS -- The Canadian Grain Commission is seeking direct input from growers attending this week's Canaryseed Association of Canada annual over the idea of designating canaryseed as a grain under the Canada Grain Act.

Canaryseed has never been covered by the act, meaning grain buyers are not required to post security for purchases of this crop. If a grain company defaults on payment to producers, there is no protection through the licensing and bonding provisions of the Canadian Grain Commission.

In order for canaryseed to receive this protection, companies would be required to post additional security. As well, the Canadian Grain Commission would have to establish official grades for canaryseed, something that has never seemed necessary.

Two people from the Canadian Grain Commission will be attending the canaryseed meeting to hear the views of growers. They are Randy Dennis, Chief Grain Inspector and Terry Harasym, Assistant Chief Commissioner.

The canaryseed meeting at Crop Production Week will be held the afternoon of Wednesday, January 11 at the Saskatoon Inn. The discussion with officials of the Canadian Grain Commission is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

"The board of directors of the Canaryseed Association of Canada has not taken a position on this issue," notes association president Ken Schikowski. "We've decided to use a portion of our meeting for the Canadian Grain Commission to get opinions directly from producers."