Study on New Canola Grading Technology Nears Completion

WINNIPEG-The Canadian Grain Commission's evaluation of an objective test for measuring chlorophyll content in canola is close to completion.

Research scientists and inspection experts at the Canadian Grain Commission have been evaluating near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) instruments for measuring chlorophyll. The Western Standards Committee heard results should be available for its spring 2012 meeting, at which time, a decision about adopting this technology could be made.

"Before a new grading technology is recommended to the industry, the Western Standards Committee makes sure its decision is based in solid research and careful consideration of what effect the technology will have on the industry," says Elwin Hermanson, Chair of the Western Standards Committee and Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission.

The Western Standards Committee also approved new standard samples and guide samples at the meeting and received the Canadian Grain Commission's crop quality report.

According to the Canadian Grain Commission, the most common grading factors in the 2011 crop were:

• Ergot and frost in wheat
• Immaturity and colour in peas