News Grain
Varietal variability possible in the malt barley variety CDC Copeland

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has confirmed a varietal purity issue, based on DNA analysis, was identified in malt barley grain shipments of the variety CDC Copeland. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is following up on this issue to determine if there is potential contamination in the seed system.

The findings so far suggest that the varietal purity issue that was identified by a DNA analysis, may actually be part of the variety, as it was found in the earliest release of breeder seed. The CFIA will take a field season to confirm its findings. The CFIA must study the growth in a field over a season to accurately confirm that it is part of the variety.

While questions remain outstanding, at this point, it appears that the varietal purity issue found in grain via DNA-based analysis is not from a contamination event (admixture) in the seed. Rather, it may have been present at low levels for the more than 20 years that this variety has been sold in Canada.

The Canadian government said it will continue to work with its partners, the CGC and the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association to help resolve this issue in malting class barley grain.