WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — The Canadian Grain Commission said on Sept. 12 it will continue to exempt feed mills, agents with primary or process elevator facilities and producer railway car loading facilities from licensing requirements.

After consulting with the sector, the Commission said it decided that grain handlers that fall under one of these three categories may operate without a Canadian Grain Commission license as long as they continue to meet the conditions associated with their respective exemptions.

“This decision reflects the clear feedback provided by stakeholders, as well as an analysis of the relative risks these types of operations pose to producers and the grain quality assurance system,” the Commission said.  “This approach will allow the Canadian Grain Commission to maintain the quality, safekeeping, and orderly, efficient handling of Canadian grain without increasing costs and regulatory burden for the grain sector.”

The Canada Grain Act mandates the Canadian Grain Commission to license or exempt grain companies from licensing if their businesses meet certain legislated requirements.

In 2016, the Canadian Grain Commission conducted a consultation on proposals to license feed mills, agents and producer railway car loading facilities. Most of the stakeholders that provided feedback were opposed to the proposed licensing changes. Further analysis confirmed that producer payment complaints involving these types of operations are rare and that the risks to Canada’s grain quality assurance system of exempting these types of operations are low.