ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SUSTAINABILITY 11 “We are continuing to educate global customers on our credentials in these areas,” Dickerson says. “We offer consistency in annual quality performance for wheat and flour, and clean shipments with minimal dockage. Our varieties are tailored to perform consistently in cookies and crackers, providing dimensional stability for consistent shaping and imprinting.” Vinkovic adds that Ontario wheat quality falls within a narrow, predictable range, which is highly valued by millers and food processors. “Consistent protein levels, falling numbers and flour performance allow processors to run efficiently without frequent adjustments,” she says. “Predictability reduces downtime and lowers operational risk across the supply chain. In addition, Canada sets clear grading standards and robust testing at elevators, and terminals reinforce buyer trust in delivered specifications. Clean and consistent wheat lowers the total cost for buyers, even if the price is not always the lowest.” Vinkovic says Ontario grain farmers use proven management practices that support the province’s reputation for producing clean, foodgrade wheat. Timely fungicide applications and integrated crop management help keep problems such as Fusarium and DON under control. Ontario also has strong breeding programs, supported by the Ontario Cereal Crops Committee, that drive the continuous improvement of wheat genetics. Grain Farmers of Ontario collects samples from across the province each year in the Annual Wheat Harvest Survey to provide millers and end users with a clear picture of Ontario wheat quality by region and class. Vinkovic says this program strengthens transparency and supports buyer confidence, with GFO using the survey results to actively engage with international customers through trade missions, including the Cereals Canada Latin America new crop mission. SUSTAINABILITY GAINS Winter wheat also provides significant sustainability benefits. Keeping the soil in place over winter and early spring with a winter cover crop like winter wheat contributes to healthier soils and more resilient agroecosystems. Soil losses to erosion are dramatically reduced. continued on page 12 “Ontario grain farmers use strong management practices that support the province’s reputation for producing clean, food-grade wheat. - Hayley Vinkovic, Grain Farmers of Ontario market analysis specialist Grain Farmers of Ontario GFO directors and staff participating in outbound and inbound trade missions with Latin American and African customers.
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