The Canadian Grain Commission has made some key changes to the grain grading dispute process effective October 1st.

Farmers that disagree with a licensed primary elevator’s assessment of grain, have the right to ask the CGC for a "Final Quality Determination" (previously known as  "Subject to Inspector’s Grade and Dockage").

That request can relate to the official grade or any individual grading factor, including moisture, protein, and/or dockage.

The CGC's Chief Grain Inspector Derek Bunkowsky says the key change is that producers can now trigger a grain grading dispute even if they're not present at delivery.

"We know that in today's world, oftentimes the producer is not delivering the grain himself. So, the changes have been made that a producer now has seven days from the time of delivery to decide if they want to trigger a dispute resolution process."

He says the amendments also clarify just how long samples must be stored, and allow more flexibility for producers and primary elevator operators to decide on who will hold the samples and where.

"The changes came about because we received multiple feedback from producers and producer groups through the "Canada Grain Act Review" consultation that they would like to see these changes take place. So we acknowledged those submissions and the consultation, and we took it upon ourselves to make the changes."

According to the CGC's "What We Heard Report" the consultation received a total of 13 submissions: four from producers, eight from producer and industry associations, and one from a provincial government. Every submission broadly supported the Canadian Grain Commission’s proposal, with some stakeholders suggesting amendments in specific areas.

Information on how to file a "Final Quality Determination" request is available here.