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:
• Their processes are compliant with Canadian Grain Commission procedures.
• 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