The President of Cereals Canada Cam Dahl, recently released an editorial that focuses on the dependability of the Canadian grain supply chain and outlines why customers, both within Canada and abroad, can be confident in the reliability of Canadian grains. They agree that these questions among Canadian consumers are valid concerning the current situation.

As questions come about the continued reliability of the Canadian supply chain, the Canadian industry fully appreciates the importance of meeting demand, especially in light of questions related to food security.

It is important to underscore that there are strong supplies available of Canadian grain, including wheat, durum, barley and oats, and Canadian farmers and grain handlers will continue to be in a strong position to meet demand both in Canada and abroad.

Farmers across Canada are beginning to seed for the upcoming season, even though it is assumed that COVID-19 implications are a potential burden. However, Canadian farmers have access to the seed, fertilizer and crop input products they need to plant the 2020 crop.

Some concerns have been brought up over the lack of flour in most grocery stores, and was a potential indication that some believe there might be a break down in supply in the days or weeks to come. Canadian flour mills are meeting the increased demand seen by the bump in home-baking, and insist they are not at risk of running out, and flour dependent items will make it to the shelves.

President Cam Dahl did have a few reasons he was confident that the Canadian supply chain will remain during the pandemic, such as:

• First, shippers and exporters, along with the businesses that support them (e.g., railways and port operations) have established protocols to minimize the risk of infection to their employees. The health and safety of all workers of paramount concern. Farmers delivering grain recently will have seen some of these measures in action, such as restricted access to elevator offices. This is a departure from normal business practice, but the proactive steps taken today will help ensure that these facilities remain open tomorrow.

• The protocols put in place by links along the supply chain will also help ensure ongoing
operations and minimize disruptions should infections occur. The people who work in agriculture and food value chains are another reason for having confidence in the reliability of Canadian supply. I am pleased that both provincial and federal government authorities have recognized the agriculture and food value chains as critical services and infrastructure and workers in these industries as essential.

He ended his editorial by stating how at risk Canada would be without its producers, as they are central to providing essential services. Canadians and people around the world need a stable supply of food and feed products from Canada in this time of crisis. The Canadian supply chain is a partnership of many players. This includes farmers, grain handlers and exporters, railways, truckers, millers and bakers. These links are all supported by a network of public and private research across the country and built upon a foundation of a strong science-based regulatory system.

The Canadian grain industry is poised in its efforts to help meet the worlds demand for stable food supply chain, which is one that is highly efficient and resilient. Recent investments have added strength to the system. Delivering food and agricultural products a priority for the industry, the Government of Canada and provincial governments.

"This priority and our commitment to meeting our customers’ needs are not going to change." concluded Dahl.