The federal government has announced funding for new projects that will help Canada’s grain industry manage risk and build public trust.

The Canada Grains Council (CGC) will receive over $430,000 to develop a pilot insurance product for grain exporters to address the risks they face of having their shipments rejected at the border of the importing country.

The CGC will also receive $789,558 to develop a Code of Practice for farm production of Canadian grains.

The new codes are voluntary and led by farmers. The codes will cover a range of topics, including fertilizer management, pesticide use, soil management, farmworkers and protection of wildlife habitat, as well as food safety and work safety.

“Canadian grains are in demand around the world because of their quality, nutrition, innovation, and value,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.\

“This funding demonstrates the federal government’s ongoing commitment to advancing the grains and oilseed sectors. These investments address two key issues facing the sector: better risk management tools and market readiness.”

The government says the codes will confirm the confidence shared by consumers around the world that Canadian grains are made to the highest standards of quality.

“Despite Canada’s solid reputation worldwide as a high quality and trustworthy provider of grain and oilseed products, we cannot take this for granted,” said Tyler Bjornson, President of the Canada Grains Council.

“Exploring new ways to help producers and industry address market access risks, as well as maintain consumer confidence that we are doing the right things to produce sustainable and safe food are an essential part of our long-term strategy as a sector. Funding for these two projects is important to continue down that path and we would like to thank Minister Bibeau for her support of these initiatives.”

Minister Bibeau made the announcement Wednesday at the CropConnect Conference in Winnipeg.