The Canadian new crop missions get underway at the end of this week.

Cereals Canada President Cam Dahl says the first stop will be in Mississaugua, Ontario as Canadian and American mills are their most important customers. The main portion of the tour gets underway next week with teams leaving for Japan and Latin America.

Dahl says this year's crop didn't have the same quality concerns that were present last year.

"Quality of this year's crop is very, very high," he commented. "We have over 95 per cent of the Canadian Western Red Spring crop is either number one or number two. Well over 90 per cent of the Amber Durum crop is number one or number two....Protein levels are a little bit below average this year overall, but we do have areas that have the protein levels that premium customers are looking for so we'll be able to meet those market needs as well."

Teams will also visit South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Dahl notes their stop in Italy should be interesting, as they'll be addressing issues relating to country of origin labelling on pasta. Concerns regarding the use of glyphosate will also be addressed.

The entire value chain will be making the trip including farmers, exporters, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) and the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI).