CGC launches pilot study of RVA technology

Winnipeg – September 14, 2009 – The Canadian Grain Commission announced today that it is launching the second phase of an industry-based pilot to test the latest development in Rapid Visco Analysis (RVA) technology. As part of the pilot, the Canadian Grain Commission will distribute RVA-Starch Master2 units, special grinders and robotic dispensers to grain industry participants.

The Canadian grain industry and the Canadian Grain Commission will examine RVA technology for use at primary elevators. Canadian Grain Commission researchers and industry experts welcome the opportunity to work closely with grain industry members on this project.

“The Canadian Grain Commission is committed to looking at promising technologies and seeing how they could apply to the Canadian grain industry,” says Elwin Hermanson, Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission. “RVA technology could affect grain grading. We’re also evaluating it as part of our commitment to provide producers with value by ensuring they get paid accurately and fairly for their grain deliveries.”

RVA technology is used to assess sprout damage in wheat. Sprout damage is a grading factor in Canadian wheat. When kernels begin to sprout, they release an enzyme that breaks down the starch in wheat kernels, damaging its milling quality and changing how it performs in processing. Currently, the Canadian Grain Commission and the grain industry visually assess sprout damage by examining a wheat sample for germinated kernels.

While other types of RVA equipment are used in the industry, the units being distributed by the Canadian Grain Commission represent the latest technology. The RVA-StarchMaster2 is easy to use and it was designed for the food and feed industry. Robotic dispensers ensure accurate results by dispensing the appropriate amount of water, self-adjusting for sample weight, for each test. Based on results obtained from the pilot’s first phase of testing, the manufacturer updated the RVA units and dispensers to meet the Canadian Grain Commission’s requirements for use in the Canadian grain industry.

If the pilot study shows that RVA technology works in elevators, the Canadian Grain Commission and the grain industry will consider how to further implement this new technology. If the results of the study are conclusive, changes to the grain quality assurance system may follow. At this time, visual assessment of sprout damage will continue to be the standard practice.

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 to ensure the integrity of grain transactions.

Contact:

Dave Hatcher
Program Manager, Asian Products and Wheat Enzymes
Canadian Grain Commission
Telephone: (204) 983-5362
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