Grain Commission

The Commission operates under the authority of the New Brunswick Grain Act. The Commission has been training and monitoring grain graders since the mid 1980’s.The Commission trains, authorizes and supervises all grain graders; inspects and calibrates all grain grading equipment; settles any grain grade related disputes and provides yearly monitoring of toxin levels of NB grown wheat, oats, barley and corn. Current list of crops being graded include: oats, barley, feed and milling wheat, dry beans, corn, buckwheat, triticale, soybeans, canola, flax and sunflowers. The Commission also provides advice to the Minister on current and emerging issues within the grain industry.

The Commission oversees the duties of a Chief Grain Grader and oversees a recognized grain grading system that assures the quality of traded grains and oilseeds. The Chief Grain Grader administers a grain grading system which includes a network of authorized trained grain graders who verify that grain meets internationally recognized trade standards (Canadian Grain Commission). By maintaining trade standards, this has been very beneficial to the New Brunswick grains sector as it creates a heightened awareness of grain quality for both the seller and the end user.

What is grain grading?
It is a method to determine the quality of grain being bought or sold using grading factors that recognizes the nutritional value of grain. A grade represents a range of quality based upon established standards that can be physically measured and visually judged. These standards are determined by the Canadian Grain Commission and provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of producers and industry as a whole.

Why grade grain?
Grading is important to determine the quality of the product to access the market and to assure producers get maximum value for the grain produced.

Who can grade grain?
A grain grader must hold a current “Authorization to grade grain” certificate, issued by the NB Grain Commission. Graders are authorized to grade only those grains listed on their certificate.