GrainsWest Fall 2019

GrainsWest: You’re from Quebec City and completed your schooling in Quebec before moving to Winnipeg. What drew you to the agriculture industry? Esther Salvano: I did my bachelor of arts in microbiology at l’Université Laval, and my first summer job was looking at soil health and water quality in cropping systems. It was a really rewarding position. When I decided to go back to school for my PhD in water sciences through the Institut national de la recherche scientifique at l’Université du Quebec I knew I wanted to put it to use in the agriculture industry. GW: How did your previous positions with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s science and technology branch and Manitoba Agriculture prepare you for your role with the GRL? ES: The main thing they taught me was the role of agriculture across the Prairies, and how sustainability is important for the industry. I also worked with great people who taught me about establishing trust with collaborators across the value chain. In my experience as the science and technology director for Manitoba, I learned more about research, grading technology and other disciplines such as breeding, pathology, genomics and proteomics. The learning there was more focused on the type of science that the federal government is doing. I also learned how to best use science-based information in the development of programs and policy. This is an important part of my job and the CGC vision of being a world-class, science-based quality-assurance provider. GW: What drew you to the position of GRL director general? ES: It was the opportunity to work with producers and industry while advancing scientific research and supporting the grain quali- ty assurance program, as well as research methods for grain quality and safety. It’s a great place to work. I’ve been impressed by the skill and dedication of our staff, and I want to support them as they help the CGC achieve its goals and meet its mandate. GW: What does the next year look like for the GRL? ES: The research conducted by the GRL falls under two catego- ries: crop research and technology research. Our research related to crops assesses Canadian grain harvest quality and studies how grading factors affect end-use properties. Crop research also de- velops new uses for Canadian grain and evaluates new varieties as part of the variety registration process. Research related to technology evaluates and develops methods used to assess the quality and safety of Canadian grain. We’re always making sure our grading system is supported by science, that Canadian grain performs consistently and is dependable, reliable and safe. GW : One of the most important programs the CGC operates is cargo quality monitoring. How has the program evolved? ES: The program has existed since the 1960s as part of grain qual- ity assurance. When grain is loaded onto vessels, we take samples and conduct analysis to generate data for Statements of Assurance. These give exporters and importers science-based assurance that Fall 2019 grainswest.com 19 With its research into end-use functionality—or baking characteristics—monitoring and analytical services, the Canadian Grain Commission’s (CGC) Grain Research Laboratory (GRL) plays a key part in supporting Canada’s grain quality assurance system. Esther Salvano assumed directorship of the lab in July of 2019, bringing with her an affinity for the strong science-based programs and policies the agency maintains. BY ELLEN COTTEE • PHOTOS BY LEIF NORMAN Esther Salvano takes the helm of the CGC’s Grain Research Laboratory SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT