Grain commission proposes new licensing requirements

The Canadian Grain Commission is seeking input on its proposals to license producer rail-car loading facilities, agents and feed mills, which are currently exempt from licenses.

The commission is asking for comments from those groups, as well as from grain producers, producer groups, current licensees and industry stakeholders on the proposals, which are available on the commission's website.

Comments will be accepted until June 3, according to a commission press release.

Producer rail-car loading facilities, agents and feed mills are exempt from licensing by the commission's annual order or in the Canada Grain Regulations. Under the proposed changes:
• Producer rail-car loading facilities would be would be licensed as a new subclass of a primary elevator license. These facilities would not have to post security with the commission.
• Agents who act on behalf of licensed companies and have elevator facilities would be licensed as either a primary elevator or a process elevator, depending on their business. They would be required to provide security as a condition of licensing.
• Feed mills would be subject to some of the same requirements as process elevators, and would be required to provide security as a condition of licensing.