6 Agencies Responsible for Wheat and Grain

In Canada, various governing bodies responsible for aspects of wheat and grain emerged over the years. The Canadian Wheat Board and Canadian Grain Commission are responsible for grain handling. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is the federal department that oversees both organizations. The National Farmers Union (NFU), is a direct-member organization consisting of farmers and non-farmers. NFU acts in the interest of all types of farming, promotes nutritious foods, and works toward developing economic and social policies. A few of these issues include food security and sustainability. The organization is involved in shaping policies and securing legislation to farmers’ benefits.

The Canadian Wheat Board

The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) was established in the early 1930s by the Parliament of Canada. It is the official marketing board, responsible for buying and selling wheat and barley in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia. The CWB will be dissolved by 2016 as a result of the Agricultural Growth Act but will continue to operate on a voluntary basis until the organization becomes privatized.

The Canadian Grain Commission

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) acts in the interests of grain producers and is guided by the Canada Grain Act. The CGC establishes and maintains standards of quality for Canadian grain, regulates grain handling in Canada, and ensures that grain is a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets (Canadian Grain Commission, 2008). Several regulations and policies fall under the Canada Grain Act that are monitored and reinforced by CGC. Some of these regulations include grain grades and inspection, licences for grain elevators and dealers, and enforcement procedures. The CGC also ensures Canadian grain marketability on a domestic and global level. Other services include grain inspections and analytical testing.