Excreta in grain

Order number 2024-29

Introduction:

  1. The Canadian Grain Commission (the "Commission") has authority under section 118(h) of the Canada Grain Act (the "Act") to make orders constituting directives to the trade.
  2. Section 60 of the Act requires operators of licensed primary elevators to accept lawful grain deliveries without discrimination and in the order in which grain arrives, where there is available storage accommodation in the elevator.
  3. Under subsection 78(1) of the Act, operators of licenced process elevators must receive grain delivered to the elevator at their discretion.
  4. Subsection 69(1) of the Act requires operators of licensed terminal elevators to accept lawful grain deliveries without discrimination and in the order in which grain arrives, where there is available storage accommodation in the elevator.
  5. Excreta, from animals such as deer, antelope, elk, moose, rodents and birds, in grain can raise bacterial concerns which the Commission is examining.
  6. The Commission is of the view that operators of elevators should have the discretion to avoid excreta in grain shipments, to reduce potential risks from such concerns.
  7. Any questions regarding this Order should be directed to the office of the Chief Grain Inspector at 204-297-8541.
  8. The decision in respect of this order was made at a meeting of quorum of the Commission on May 29, 2024. Two of three Commissioners constitutes a quorum of the Commission.

The Commission makes the following order:

  1. Licensed primary and terminal elevators may refuse to receive grain containing excreta from vertebral column animals.

This order comes into effect on the later of the crop year commencing August 1, 2024, or the signing date, and is in effect until July 31, 2025, unless revoked earlier.

This order may be executed and delivered via facsimile or PDF and in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this order to produce or account for more than one such counterpart.

David Hunt
Chief Commissioner

Patty Rosher
Assistant Chief Commissioner

Lonny McKague
Commissioner

Signed on: May 29, 2024