Confusion In Milling Wheat Standards Resolved

Acting Agriculture Minister Wes Sheridan said today that it’s business as usual with respect to milling wheat sales to Dover Mills. He met on Thursday in Halifax with Stan Thomas, vice-president of operations with Dover Mills, to discuss concerns that the requirements for the purchase of milling wheat had been changed.

A joint statement released by the Minister and Mr. Thomas said that this year’s purchase standard set by Dover Mills had been miscommunicated. A memo stating Dover Mill’s purchasing requirement contained a misprint. It said that the acceptable level was one part per million DON and a one percent level of fusarium damaged kernels in the wheat grade. The acceptable DON level remains at a level of two parts per million. Mr. Thomas said that the standard is the same as last year.

“Because of the strong relationship between Dover Mills and the Prince Edward Island Grain Elevators Corporation, this perceived conflict was quickly resolved,” said Minister Sheridan. “I was pleased with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with Dover Mills to reach an understanding on the issue.”

Mr. Thomas said he apologized for the misunderstanding, and looks forward to continuing to purchase milling wheat from Prince Edward Island producers. “There has been a growth in milling wheat production on Prince Edward Island over the past few years,” he said. “It is hoped that this unfortunate incident does not hamper the future growth of this industry.”