For the first time in more than 20 years, an official Iraqi delegation has been in Canada learning about Canadian wheat production.
Dave Burrows, chief operating officer of the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi), which has been hosting the group, says after talking with the export industry, Iraq looks to be a key export market for growth potential. But first, Burrows says, the Iraqi customers need to know more about the Canadian grain system.
"One of the key points of conversation is, what does the training look like going forward?" he says. "You know, are there millers in Iraq that could benefit from coming here and spending some time learning about how to mill Canadian wheat?"
The group was educated on all parts of the grain system, including a tour of a seed farm in Manitoba and a trip to the port in Vancouver. Burrows says after talking with the delegation, they were very impressed with the quality of Canadian wheat.
"They're very impressed. They're impressed with the technology that is available to ensure the high quality of Canadian wheat, the testing that goes on, the fact that the Canadian Grain Commission is a gatekeeper for quality, the fact that Cigi is there to assist them in terms of technological advances and milling, baking, and analytical services," he says.
Source : Portageonline