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Changes to CWRS and CPSR wheat variety designations

July 30, 2015 - After consulting with domestic and international stakeholders and conducting a thorough evaluation, the Canadian Grain Commission will designate 29 varieties of Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) and Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) wheat to another class as of August 1st, 2017.

In an evaluation of varieties against the revised quality parameters for the CWRS and CPSR classes, the Canadian Grain Commission determined these varieties do not meet the quality characteristics of their current designated class (CWRS, CPSR).

A complete list of varieties that will be designated to another class is available at Canadian wheat class modernization.In addition, in 2016 the Canadian Grain Commission will initiate a review, for a period of up to 2 years, of CWRS and CPSR varieties for which more quality data is needed before a decision about their class designation can be made. These varieties will remain in their designated classes unless the evaluation shows they do not meet the revised quality parameters. At least 2 years' notice will be given before any of these varieties are designated to another class.

The plan to modernize Canada's wheat class system involves:

• Reviewing current Canadian CWRS and CPSR wheat classes
• Maintaining the quality and enhancing the consistency of these Canadian wheat classes to support marketability
• Potentially adding a new wheat class to include new varieties that would meet the evolving needs of producers and customers of Canadian grain

As of February 26, 2015, the check varieties for CWRS and CPSR were changed by the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye and Triticale. Varieties slated for evaluation will be compared to these check varieties.
An interim wheat class will be put in place for Faller, Prosper and Elgin ND wheat varieties, effective August 1, 2015.

This will allow the Canadian Grain Commission, in consultation with value chain stakeholders, to gather further information before making a decision on the permanence of the class.

July 30, 2015  By Top Crop Manager