May 30, 2011

Canada's scientists focus on new canola grading technology

Research scientists and inspection experts at the Canadian Grain Commission have been evaluating near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) instruments for measuring chlorophyll, as part of grading canola.

At its April 7, 2011 meeting, the Western Standards Committee recommended one more year of study into this promising technology before making a decision about adopting it.

"Before the industry goes with a new grading technology, it's important that the decision to use it is based on solid research," says Elwin Hermanson, Chair of the Western Standards Committee and Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission. "Once the research is completed on NIR, the standards committee will consider the full impact of changing canola grading procedures for measuring chlorophyll."

Currently, Canadian Grain Commission and industry grain inspectors crush samples of canola seeds and count the number of distinctly green seeds to predict how much chlorophyll is in the sample. If successful, NIR technology would replace this subjective assessment with an objective measurement.