The Canadian Grain Commission will implement updates to grain grading procedures for amber durum, wheat and lentils for the 2026-27 crop year beginning Aug. 1.
The changes follow consultations with grain sector stakeholders and recommendations from the commission's standards committees. According to the commission, the revisions are intended to better align Canada's quality assurance system with the needs of the grain industry and international buyers.
The wheat chapter of the Official Grain Grading Guide will be updated with revised procedures, definitions and photo reference materials covering several grading factors. Changes include updated guidance for darkened and severely darkened kernels in Canada Western Amber Durum, severe midge and penetrated smudge in Canada Western Amber Durum, and smudge and penetrated smudge across all wheat classes.
The commission said its research found that darkened kernels have a much smaller effect on durum semolina quality than kernels with severe midge damage. Grading changes introduced in November 2025 to better reflect end-use quality will now be incorporated into the Official Grain Grading Guide.
According to the commission, the revisions have helped reduce unnecessary downgrading of Canadian durum at delivery while supporting exporters in meeting customer grade specifications.
The commission also will remove contrasting classes as a grading factor for red lentils beginning Aug. 1 and update the definition of contrasting colors.
The change reflects the introduction of new red lentil varieties recommended for registration that have seed coat colors different from traditional red varieties. Under the revised procedures, those varieties will be assessed as a contrasting color when they have a different seed coat color.
The commission said the update is also intended to reduce the mixing of lentils with different cotyledon colors or significantly different seed coat colors, helping maintain quality for buyers of Canadian lentils.
Source: Canadian Grain Commission, "Canadian grain grading changes for the 2026-2027 crop year"