Canada Grain Act amendments implemented for 2020-21 crop year as CUSMA comes into effect

WINNIPEG, MB, June 23, 2020 /CNW/ - The Canadian Grain Commission is implementing amendments to the Canada Grain Act and Canada Grain Regulations as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) comes into effect.

As a result of the agreement, the following changes take effect on July 1, 2020:

• Grain grown in the United States will be able to receive an official Canadian grade if it's a variety that is registered in Canada
• The requirement of a country of origin statement on inspection certificates for grain grown in the United States will be removed
• It will be mandatory for people, including licensed grain companies, who sell grain to a Canadian Grain Commission licensee to complete a declaration of eligibility

The declaration of eligibility will provide valuable information to protect Canada's grain quality assurance system and will ensure producers receive the appropriate grain grade and payment for deliveries. The delivery declaration regulations build on the existing declaration process already used across much of the grain sector in Western Canada. In Eastern Canada, the Canadian Grain Commission will work with grain sector stakeholders to phase in the declaration during the 2020-21 crop year.

American producers who deliver grain to Canada will have the same obligations as Canadian producers. The declarations requirement will help accommodate U.S. grain by ensuring reliable information on seed registration is provided.

Quote

"The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement marks an important milestone in our trade relationship with the U.S. and Mexico. Delivery declarations will protect Canada's quality assurance system while allowing American grain producers to receive an official grade."

Patti Miller, Chief Commissioner
Canadian Grain Commission

Quick facts

• On November 30, 2018, Canada, the United States and Mexico signed an agreement to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which was approved by the Canadian Parliament on March 13, 2020.
• Under the Canada Grain Act, the Canadian Grain Commission is responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada's grain grading system.
• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for the administration of Canada's Variety Registration System.

Associated links

• Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the Canada Grain Act
• Section 83.1 to 83.3 of the Canada Grain Act
• Regulations Amending the Canada Grain Regulations: SQR/2020-63
• Declaration for eligibility for delivery
• Non-registered varieties order

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