Collaboration to develop Ontario Grains Laboratory

The Ontario Grains Laboratory is under development through a joint venture agreement signed in December between Grain Farmers of Ontario and SGS Canada.

The laboratory will be used as a full analytical testing facility, including conducting rheological testing, physical dough and bake testing, and protein levels for cereal grains.

“This lab will be the first of its kind in our province and will position Ontario as a strong leader for domestic and international markets in cereal crops,” Grain Farmers of Ontario CEO Barry Senft said. “We are very pleased to officially announce this initiative with SGS Canada and we are confident that, upon completion, this lab will be a great asset to the grain industry.”

The lab, which the companies hope will be operational this spring, will be on the same property as SGS’s current testing facility in Guelph, Ontario.

“SGS Canada currently provides inspection and testing services for the agriculture industry,” Don Slobodzia, SGS Canada's vice president for Agriculture and Food, said. “The Ontario Grains Laboratory allows us to draw on our existing expertise to open a whole new penetration of our business for the Canadian market, especially in Ontario.”

Once the laboratory is complete, it will offer full commercial services for North American millers and processors. Grain Farmers of Ontario is investing in capital for laboratory development and will receive a credit in return for services at the lab to be used to conduct its annual Ontario Wheat Quality scoop and other development and research projects.