GrainsWest Fall 2019

Canadian grain meets safety requirements. We also monitor export wheat shipments for wheats of other classes and ineligible varieties as these could undermine quality and create problems for customers. Coun- tries have certain guidelines on grain they wish to purchase regarding quality, toler- ance for issues and GMO. In 2017, GMO wheat was found in Alberta [this was made public in spring of 2018]. Our cargo testing confirmed it was an isolated incident and that GMO wheat is not present in the Ca- nadian grain handling system. GW : CGC runs the Harvest Sample Program, carrying out quality testing and unofficial grading on samples sub- mitted by farmers. How do you ensure the program keeps up with changes in the industry? ES: The Harvest Sample Program has been running since 1927. Of course, there have been plenty of changes over the years. We provide participating producers with email results. This was a change that helps producers get their information fast- er and easier. On the development side, we now provide results for DON [vomitox- in] levels in wheat and corn samples and falling number in wheat. Each year, we receive nearly 11,000 grain and oilseed samples from 2,700 pro- ducers. In 2018, we received over 12,000 samples from nearly 3,000 producers. GW : Why should farmers participate in the program? ES: The grades farmers receive allow them to properly market their grain. They also receive other quality results like pro- tein content and detailed information on degrading factors fundamental to know- ing the grain’s value. When delivering grain to elevators, farmers will be more informed as to what they have in their bins. Farmers’ samples are crucial to help the marketing of Canadian grain, evalu- ating our grain grades and research that benefits producers, including finding new uses for grain to help create new markets. We use their samples to make crop quality data available to marketers to promote the sale of Canadian grain. GW : Technology is changing all the time, especially in agriculture. How does the lab keep up? ES: Research and investment in new technology is a big part of our work. A good example is near-infrared spectrum spectroscopy (NIRS). It’s an important analytical tool for the job that uses statis- tics to develop mathematical models to predict quality parameters. Every year, our lab analyzes samples from the Harvest Sample Program and we add them to the calibration model to assess if the calibrations are working for that year. Over the years, the GRL has assembled a database of samples that can be used by producers, marketers and other stakeholders to develop their own calibrations. This is advantageous as some of the reference analyses are difficult to do and sometimes people do not have the expertise nor the instruments to do them. Getting a calibration set with data that you trust is important. We’re also doing a lot of work on a fast, reliable network to track grain quality. GW : How does the lab employ biotechnology and what kind of projects can it be used for? ES: We use it in the GRL for the detec- tion of GMOs in grain samples. Again, this testing is done because of labelling and regulatory requirements established by many countries for unapproved GMO events. The EU has a zero-tolerance policy for unapproved GMO, for example. The CGC has been internationally accredited for the testing of grain samples for the presence of GMO since 2013, and that pro- vides international recognition. Of course, we’re always looking at new equipment, methods and challenges for the industry. GW : What are you most excited about accomplishing in your new role? ES: In the next few months, I’m look- ing forward to spending time with the scientists and programmers and learning about the research and science that is happening in the lab, which will allow me to understand how best to support them to do what we do best. Fall 2019 Grains West 20 Esther Salvano oversees CGC research into new uses for Canadian grain as well as development of grain assessment technology. PERSON PLACE & THING