August 9, 2017 

Private labs may now test Canadian grain for export  

Canadian grain exporters may now opt to have their grain shipments to certain countries tested for phytosanitary purposes by authorized private laboratories.

The alternative grain testing programme was conceptualised by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) provide industry with more choices and timely service so they can better access and serve international markets.

Saying Canadian grain is in demand and trusted around the world, the CFIA said the new scheme is in support of the increasing exports and the expected continued growth.

While the CFIA said it will continue to offer grain export inspections, the new programme, called REGAL (Recognition of Export Grain Analysis by Authorized Laboratories), will also build on the CFIA's partnership with the Canadian Grain Commission to help serve the grain sector more efficiently.

"By implementing the REGAL programme, our government is helping grain farmers and exporters to more efficiently get their product to market and achieve our goal of reaching C$75 billion (US$59.2 billion) worth of annual agri-food exports by 2025", Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay said.

The REGAL programme will initially focus on grain exports to India and China as these countries are currently the top Canadian grain importers in terms of volume. Around C$5.1 billion (US$4.020 billion) worth of grain was shipped to India and China last year.