New sampling programs certify quality of Canadian grain shipped by container

WINNIPEG, July 27, 2012 /CNW/ – The Canadian Grain Commission will
launch its Accredited Container Sampler Program and Certified Container
Sampling Program on August 1, following the successful completion of a
four-year pilot project with industry partners. The programs are in
response to an increased use of containers to ship grain to export
markets and a demand for Canadian Grain Commission inspection of these
shipments.

“These voluntary programs are a creative response to a need expressed by
the industry,” explains Elwin Hermanson, Chief Commissioner of the
Canadian Grain Commission. “Working with industry partners, we were
able to arrive at a voluntary solution that makes efficient use of our
expertise and offers the quality certification that export customers
value.”

Zeghers Seed Inc. took part in the initial pilot phase of the Certified
Container Sampling program. “When we are able to present an
internationally recognized certificate that states our product is what
we represent it to be, then there are no questions from our off-shore
buyers. Producer and broker partners have expressed a greater level of
confidence in delivering their products to Zeghers Seed Inc. as a
business partner because of our certification,” explains Doug Hyde,
Program Coordinator.

Accredited Container Sampler Program (ACSP)

The ACSP allows grain companies to obtain official Canadian Grain
Commission inspection of their container shipments based on a sample
taken by a third party accredited by us. The Canadian Grain Commission
issues an Official Inspection certificate to grain companies registered in the program.

How it works

        --  The Canadian Grain Commission accredits a third-party firm to
            take official samples on its behalf.
        --  A grain company registers with the Canadian Grain Commission to
            take part in the program. We conduct an on-site evaluation to
            approve sampling sites and equipment.
        --  The grain company asks an accredited third party to take an
            official sample at the grain company's container loading
            facility.
        --  The accredited company draws the official sample and submits it
            to us.
        --  The Canadian Grain Commission completes an official inspection
            and issues an Official Inspection certificate.

To become accredited, the third-party firm must:

        --  Have a quality management system in place and written sampling
            procedures compliant with our requirements.
        --  Have samplers trained and tested by us.
        --  Be monitored through audits by the Canadian Grain Commission
            that evaluate how samplers follow required procedures.

Certified Container Sampling Program (CCSP)

With the CCSP, the Canadian Grain Commission certifies grain companies
to take samples from their own shipping containers and submit these
samples to us for inspection.

The Canadian Grain Commission issues a Certified Submitted Sample certificate to the certified grain company. The certificate notes that
the grade assigned to the sample was based on a submitted sample drawn
by the company following approved sampling procedures. These procedures
are audited by a third-party company and are certified by the Canadian
Grain Commission.

How it works

        --  The Canadian Grain Commission certifies a grain company's own
            sampling processes after the company has demonstrated:
      o Their processes are compliant with Canadian Grain Commission
        procedures.
      o Their employees are competent to take samples following the correct
        procedures.
        --  The grain company's trained employees take a sample at its
            container loading facility and submit it to us.
        --  The Canadian Grain Commission inspects the sample and issues a
            Certified Submitted Sample certificate.

To become certified, a grain company must:

        --  Have a quality management system in place and written sampling
            procedures compliant with our procedures.
        --  Have samplers trained in our sampling procedures.
        --  Have their site evaluated by the Canadian Grain Commission to
            identify correct sampling locations, practices and equipment
            that ensures representative samples are taken.
        --  Be monitored through audits conducted by auditors that the
            Canadian Grain Commission has accredited. These audits include
            practical evaluations of samplers to ensure they are following
            proper sampling protocols.

Program fees

These voluntary programs are offered on a fee-for-service basis. Their
fees are projected to increase annually. Fee schedules will be
available online at www.grainscanada.gc.ca on August 1, 2012.

About the Canadian Grain Commission

The Canadian Grain Commission is the federal agency responsible for
establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards. Its
programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract
specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The Canadian Grain
Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producers’ rights
and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.

SOURCE Canadian Grain Commission