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The CGC is organized around four strategic outcomes that reflect the planned direction of the CGC as well as the daily delivery of the CGC's program activities. The four strategic outcomes are:
1. A grain quality assurance system that addresses the changing requirements of domestic and international grain markets
2. A grain quantity assurance system that addresses the changing needs of the grain industry
3. Research and development on grain quality that enhances the marketability of Canadian grain
4. Producers' rights are supported to ensure fair treatment within the grain handling system
To illustrate the significance of each strategic outcome, the CGC has identified corresponding program activities and resources required. Each program activity has associated ongoing key programs or services with their own expected results. This section provides detailed information on each program activity and illustrates how the program activities and key programs or services contribute to and support the strategic outcomes and departmental plans and priorities.
Corporate infrastructure and government-wide initiatives are integral to achieving results and are factored into delivering the strategic outcomes using the CGC's costing model. The discussion and activities relevant to the CGC's plans and priorities on government-wide initiatives and corporate infrastructure can be found in Section IV.
Strategic Outcome 1: A grain quality assurance system that addresses the changing requirements of domestic and international grain markets |
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$50,279 | $31,040 | $31,040 |
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
445 | 271 | 271 |
An effective grain quality assurance system ensures the enhanced marketability of Canadian grain which directly benefits producers and the grain industry. Daily provision of grain inspection services supported by a strong scientific and technical base, including testing of grain, milling, baking, cooking, or making various end-use products form a major part of the quality assurance system.
There are major challenges facing the CGC and the GQAS including increased international emphasis on end-use functionality, growing global competition, and shifting domestic crop production and volume fluctuations. It is vital that the grading system and CGC services be continually adapted to the end-use needs of domestic and international buyers of Canadian grain, and to the ongoing structural changes within the grain industry.
The overall expected result of delivering inspection and testing services is increased buyer satisfaction through delivery of consistent Canadian grain quality and increased marketability of Canadian grain.
This program activity supports departmental Priority #1 and Priority #2. Delivering inspection and testing services supports not only the ongoing delivery of the CGC mandate, but also positions Canada with a sustainable competitive advantage in global grain markets. Addressing Priority #4 (a sustainable CGC funding mechanism) is critical for the CGC to continue fulfilling its statutory mandate and maintain service levels to producers and the grain industry. Priority #5 (ISO certification) supports efficient and effective processes and enhances the CGC's international reputation for providing services that assure consistent, uniform grain quality in every shipment.
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$39,904 | $24,635 | $24,635 |
Provision of grain inspection and grading services forms a major part of the quality assurance system. The CGC delivers inspection services in accordance with the legislative mandate of the Canada Grain Act in order to meet the requirements of the grain industry from producers to customers. Grades allow buyers to identify end-use value without the need for end-use testing or direct examination of individual lots of grain. This improves the efficiency of grain handling and helps to ensure that sellers receive payment that reflects the value of their grain.
The following ongoing inspection activities and testing services are integral components of the overall delivery of the CGC's GQAS:
The expected result of this key program is ongoing data collection and analysis that supports an effective GQAS to facilitate and maintain the marketability of Canadian grain and customer satisfaction. Daily provision of inspection and testing services for the GQAS is a key mandate supporting program that directly contributes to departmental Priority #1. Maintaining and delivering an effective Quality Management System as per ISO 9001:2000 standards directly supports departmental Priority #5.
To measure its success in delivering this key program and achieving the expected results, the CGC uses the following tools:
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$5,401 | $3,334 | $3,334 |
Canada's GQAS is supported by a strong scientific and technical base including testing of grains, processing into various end-use products, and assessing cooking quality.
The CGC has been testing grain for toxic substances since 1966 to monitor grain entering the licensed elevator system and to provide grain safety assurances to help marketers meet international buyers' requirements. The CGC is the only government agency that provides grain safety assurances on pesticides, trace elements, mycotoxins, fungi and moulds. Buyers of Canadian grain increasingly demand more rigorous, timely testing for chemical residues and trace elements on cargoes. For example, Japan has introduced a Food Sanitation Law that lists agricultural chemicals and their maximum toxic or harmful levels for all grains. Europe has established the European Food Safety Authority to regulate food safety in Europe and members of the European Union have embraced labelling and traceability of crops and food. These demands are increasing the importance of research aimed at developing new or adapting existing analytical methods.
The following scientific and technical support services are integral components of the overall delivery of an effective GQAS:
The expected result of providing technical and scientific support to the GQAS is to increase and/or maintain current marketability levels for Canadian grains. In addition, provision of this type of information and support will facilitate the optimal management of the GQAS and afford increased opportunities for various end-uses of Canadian grain (e.g. animal feed, ethanol, malting). Based on these expected results, this key program supports departmental Priorities #1 and #2.
To measure its success in delivering this key program and achieving the expected results, the CGC uses the following tools:
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$4,974 | $3,071 | $3,071 |
Addressing the challenges facing Canada's GQAS and modifying the system to meet changing domestic and international requirements is vital in making significant progress towards the successful delivery of this program activity, but also contributes to the success of all of the CGC's strategic outcomes.
A broad spectrum of producers and grain industry representatives meet several times annually, through the Western and Eastern Standards Committees and commodity-specific subcommittees, to study and review grain standards, ensuring relevance and value of those standards in facilitating the movement of grain and transfer of ownership.
The following initiatives and programs are underway to address pressures on the GQAS and the visual based grading system:
The overall expected result of modifying the system to meet changing requirements is to improve technology and objective methods for determining quality in order to facilitate grain movement and enhance the marketability of Canadian grains. Given these expected results, this key program supports departmental Priority #2.
To measure its success in delivering this key program and achieving the expected results, the CGC uses the following tools:
Strategic Outcome 2: A grain quantity assurance system that addresses the changing needs of the grain industry |
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$14,969 | $9,241 | $9,241 |
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
133 | 80 | 80 |
The Canadian grain quantity assurance system assures the weight of grain loaded into or discharged from conveyances and in storage in the licensed terminal and transfer elevator system. Daily provision of CGC grain weighing services benefits both producers and the grain industry and forms a major part of the quantity assurance system. Weighing services are supported by a strong technical base.
The challenges for the grain quantity assurance system include increased requirements for quantity information to manage grain stocks and keeping up-to-date with increasingly sophisticated weighing and transfer technology in grain elevators.
The overall expected result of delivering weighing services is to implement an improved strategy to monitor client satisfaction with the CGC weighing and dispute resolution programs.
This program activity directly supports departmental Priority #1. Delivery of weighing services and programs is an integral component of the ongoing provision of the CGC mandate. In addition, the ongoing review and development of weighing programs, procedures, and equipment contributes to enhancing the Canadian GQAS and departmental Priority #2. Addressing Priority #4 (sustainable funding) is critical in order for the CGC to fulfill its statutory mandate and maintain weighing service levels to the grain industry. ISO certification (Priority #5) of CGC quantity assurance services supports efficient and effective processes and enhances the CGC's international reputation for consistent and reliable grain shipments.
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$13,546 | $8,363 | $8,363 |
The CGC delivers weighing services to meet the legislative mandate of the Canada Grain Act and the requirements of the grain industry from producers to customers. Essential weighing procedures are defined within the CGC's Quality Management System (QMS) Procedure Manual, or outlined in a QMS Work Instruction Format, and are accessed by weigh staff to ensure consistent application of procedures. CGC weighing policies and procedures are monitored and evaluated through a series of reporting policies and national discussion and review forums.
The following ongoing weighing services and programs are integral components of the overall delivery of an effective grain quantity assurance system:
The expected result of delivering weighing services for the quantity assurance system is to maintain and increase the accuracy in reporting of official weights in grain transactions in order to enhance customer satisfaction and the marketability of Canadian grain. Given this expected result, the daily provision of weighing services supports not only the ongoing delivery of the CGC mandate (Priority #1) but also supports the continued competitiveness of Canadian grains in both domestic and international markets (Priority #2). Delivering weighing services to maintain an effective Quality Management System as per ISO 9001:2000 standards directly supports departmental Priority #5.
To measure its success in delivering this key program and achieving the expected results, the CGC uses the following tools:
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$1,423 | $878 | $878 |
In order to maintain relevancy and to address constantly changing industry demands, the CGC provides ongoing technical support for the quantity assurance system. Regular review of quantity assurance processes allows the CGC to adjust the service procedures as necessary through Improvement Requests (IR), and identify or adjust training requirements as needed.
The following services are integral components to this key program:
The expected result of this key program is to assist clients in accurate reporting of quantity information, through technological advancements, in order to maintain and increase the marketability of Canadian grain. Providing technical support of the quantity assurance system supports departmental Priority #1 and contributes to Priority #2.
To measure its success in delivering this key program and achieving the expected results, the CGC uses the following tools:
Strategic Outcome 3: Research and development on grain quality that enhances the marketability of Canadian grain |
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$7,663 | $4,130 | $4,130 |
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
59 | 36 | 36 |
The Canada Grain Act requires the CGC to undertake, sponsor and promote research related to grains. The CGC conducts research directly related to supporting the GQAS that permits the effective marketing of Canadian grain in the interests of producers. The GRL researches new methods for quality, new measurement factors to determine quality, end-use applications of Canadian grain, quality of new breeders' varieties, and carries out the annual Harvest Survey. The GRL, through its research, supports the continual improvement of the GQAS.
There are major challenges confronting the CGC's research activities and the GQAS due to the changing needs of the Canadian grain industry. There is a major shift in the type of crops grown and their end-uses, increased demand for variety identification by objective non-visual methods, and concerns with GM crops. Research focus has shifted to address these issues in pulses, new types of oilseeds, variety identification, and GM crops. Research related to traditional crops, such as wheat, barley, canola and flax, is still essential, as these crops make up a significant proportion of the domestic and export markets. There is increasing emphasis on end-use functionality, especially new end-uses in the domestic industry. Grain is increasingly being sold based on specifications requiring objective non-visual testing of quality or safety factors and the provision of grain quality and safety assurances.
The expected results of conducting research to understand and measure grain quality are: adaptation of new objective methods for quality assessment and grain safety assurance; adoption and publication of new methods by current standard setting organizations; and provision of accurate quality assessment tools for new breeder lines.
This program activity directly supports departmental Priority #1 as undertaking, sponsoring and promoting grain related research upholds the mandate of the CGC and facilitates effective marketing of Canadian grain. In addition, ongoing research of new methods and measurement factors to determine quality, end-use applications of Canadian grain, and quality of new breeders' varieties supports improvement of the Canadian GQAS and departmental Priority #2. Addressing Priority #4 (sustainable funding mechanism) is critical in order for the CGC to fulfil its statutory mandate and continue ongoing research focused on understanding and measuring grain quality. During the planning period, the GRL will be assessing the applicability of ISO/IEC 17025 certification to certain processes in its laboratory testing environment in support of departmental Priority #5.
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$3,448 | $1,859 | $1,859 |
Non-visual methods for the assessment of grain quality are required in order to maximize the return on investment to each segment of the Canadian grain handling system. New internationally accepted methods are necessary to capture and maintain the inherent value through all phases of the marketing system from producer to end-user.
The following ongoing research activities are integral components of this key program:
The expected result of this key program is the development of internationally recognized methods for quality evaluation of all grains in collaboration with other national and international laboratories. Based on this expected result, researching methods to measure grain quality supports departmental Priority #2.
To measure its success in developing research methods that support the grain quality assurance system, the CGC tracks:
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$3,448 | $1,859 | $1,859 |
In order to remain competitive in the international marketplace, it is imperative that future grain quality attributes be anticipated and captured. As such, research that supports emerging issues in the grain quality assurance system is crucial to all segments of the Canadian grain industry.
The following ongoing research activities are integral components of this key program:
The expected result of this key program is to develop new methodologies for identifying variety composition and to enable variety specific marketing in order to meet changing producer, industry, and customer demands for specific end-use quality. Based on this expected result and the contributing programs and initiatives, researching new quality factors supports departmental Priority #2.
To measure its success in researching emerging quality factors to support the grain quality assurance system, the CGC tracks:
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$767 | $412 | $412 |
Continually evolving uses of grain require that the CGC have the ability to anticipate, identify, and measure new grain specifications in order to meet changing industry needs.
The following ongoing research activities are integral components of this key program:
The expected result of this key program is to develop objective testing protocols and specifications to support the Canadian grading system and facilitate the marketing and end-use diversification of Canadian grains. Given this expected result, researching new grain standards supports departmental Priorities #1 and #2.
To measure its success in ensuring that this key program is on track the CGC monitors:
Strategic Outcome 4: Producers' rights are supported to ensure fair treatment within the grain handling system |
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$3,086 | $1,861 | $1,861 |
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
27 | 16 | 16 |
The CGC is mandated to serve producer interests by upholding the Canada Grain Act and as a result, has implemented a number of programs and safeguards. These include the licensing and security program, producer liaison measures, producer car procedures, and a grain grade appeal system. In addition, the CGC collects and updates grain quality data and grain handling information to facilitate producer sales and marketing decisions.
The expected result of this program activity is increased producer satisfaction with the grain handling system.
Protecting producer rights directly supports departmental Priorities #1 (ongoing delivery of the CGC mandate) and Priority #3 (regulatory compliance), as the CGC is mandated to ensure the fair treatment of producers within the grain handling system. Addressing Priority #4 (sustainable CGC funding mechanism) is necessary to maintain producer satisfaction with the delivery of various procedures and systems related to their protection.
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$1,263 | $762 | $762 |
The CGC licenses and regulates primary, process, transfer, and terminal elevators as well as grain dealers. Licensed elevators and grain dealers are required to post security to cover their liabilities to producers in the event of a company default. This regulatory activity contributes to the fair treatment of western Canadian producers.
The following ongoing activities are integral components of an effective licensing and financial security program:
The expected result of this key program is to decrease the level of CGC licensing non-compliance, increase the number of new grain dealers or operators that are licensed, and mitigate financial risk to producers. This key program directly supports departmental Priorities #1 and #3.
While the number of unlicensed facilities has decreased as a result of the recent licensing compliance initiative, unlicensed facilities still present an ongoing challenge to the CGC, as producers delivering to these facilities are not protected in the case of a default. During the reporting period, the CGC will continue to broaden the licensee base at the producer delivery level and will increase licensing, audit and compliance operational unit resources to address the increase in the number of licensees. To facilitate compliance, the CGC will continue to work toward improving the efficiency of administrative requirements of licensees.
In order to measure the success of its efforts in administering the licensing and financial security system, the CGC will utilize the following methods and processes:
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$122 | $74 | $74 |
The CGC allocates producer cars for producers and producer groups that wish to ship their own grain. http://grainscanada.gc.ca/prodser/producercars/information/prodcars-e.htm
The CGC will continue to work with the Canadian Wheat Board and the railways to develop and implement strategies to address producer car issues, including the increasing demand from producers for railcar allocations.
The expected results of this key program are, pursuant to the Canada Grain Act and Canada Grain Regulations, to provide and make available an alternate grain delivery mechanism and respond to producer car allocation challenges. Managing the allocation of railcars for individual requests contributes to departmental Priority #1.
In order to measure the success of its efforts in managing the allocation of railcars for individual producer requests, the CGC will utilize the following methods and processes:
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$1,590 | $958 | $958 |
To safeguard fair and equitable grain transactions for producers, the CGC has set up an information and compliance network. Inspection, weighing, and arbitration services are essential to the efficient and fair operation of grain markets for producers and the grain industry. Grades allow buyers to identify end-use characteristics without the need for end-use tests or direct examination of individual grain lots. This helps to ensure that producers are properly compensated for the quality and quantity of grain delivered and shipped.
The following ongoing activities are integral components of this key service:
The expected result of this key service is to successfully resolve complaints and facilitate settlements acceptable to those parties involved, while improving the ability of producers to manage their business risks. Based on this expected result, fair treatment of producers by grain companies and dealers directly supports both departmental Priority #1 and #3.
In order to measure the success of its efforts in facilitating fair treatment of producers by grain companies and dealers, the CGC will utilize the following methods and processes:
2007-2008 | 2008-2009 | 2009-2010 |
---|---|---|
$111 | $67 | $67 |
The CGC continually collects and updates grain quality data and grain handling information and makes it available to producers and other interested parties. This information and technical support facilitates producer sales and marketing decisions.
The following ongoing activities are integral components of this key service:
The expected result of this key service is the provision of accurate and relevant technical and statistical information to support producer sales and marketing decisions. As such, this key service supports departmental Priority #1.
In order to measure the success of its efforts in providing grain quality information to producers, the CGC will utilize the following methods and processes: