Canadian grain grading changes for the 2026-2027 crop year
News release
July 8, 2026 Winnipeg Canadian Grain Commission
The Canadian Grain Commission is updating grain grading procedures for amber durum, wheat and lentils for the 2026-27 crop year. These changes are being made following consultation with grain sector stakeholders and recommendations from our standards committees. They will allow Canada’s quality assurance system to better meet the needs of the sector and grain buyers around the world.
Updates to grading factors for wheat and durum
On August 1, the wheat chapter in the Official Grain Grading Guide will be revised to include updated procedures, definitions and photo reference material for the following grading factors:
- darkened and severely darkened kernels for Canada Western Amber Durum
- severe midge and penetrated smudge for Canada Western Amber Durum
- smudge and penetrated smudge for all wheat classes
The Canadian Grain Commission’s research showed that darkened kernels have far less impact on durum semolina quality than kernels with severe midge damage. As a result, grading changes were introduced in November 2025 to better reflect true end-use quality, and these changes are now being incorporated into our Official Grain Grading Guide. These changes are already benefitting Canadian grain producers by reducing unnecessary downgrading at delivery while also helping exporters meet grade requirements for their customers.
Removal of contrasting classes as a grading factor in red lentils
Starting August 1, the contrasting classes grading factor in red lentils will be removed and the contrasting colours definition will be updated.
This update addresses new varieties of red lentils recommended for registration that have a different seed coat colour from the traditional red. These new varieties of red lentils will be assessed as a contrasting colour when they have a different seed coat colour. This update will also mitigate the mixing of lentils that differ in cotyledon colour and/or significantly different seed coat colours for buyers of Canadian lentils.
Quotes
“The Canadian Grain Commission is implementing these changes based on feedback and recommendations from farmers and grain handlers. We will continue to meet the changing needs of the grain sector while maintaining a science-based system that ensures reliable exports to Canadian customers.”
David Hunt, Chief Commissioner
Canadian Grain Commission
Quick facts
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Under the Canada Grain Act, the Canadian Grain Commission is responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain grading system.
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The Canadian Grain Commission consulted with sector stakeholders through the advisory committees along with the Western Standards Committee and Eastern Standards Committees prior to implementing these changes.
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The Canadian Grain Commission’s Official Grain Grading Guide is a complete reference on the grading factors of grains, oilseeds and pulses. Standardized grading factors ensures that producers are fairly compensated for their grain and helps maintain Canada’s reputation for high-quality and safe grain, which benefits the Canadian agriculture sector and all Canadians.
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Contacts
Derek Bunkowsky
Chief Grain Inspector for Canada
Canadian Grain Commission
204-297-8541
derek.bunkowsky@grainscanada.gc.ca
Canadian Grain Commission
The Canadian Grain Commission is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The Canadian Grain Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producers’ rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.