The Canadian International Grains Institute held it’s Japanese Durum Technical Program this week.

Participants learned about the Canadian grain industry at CIGI operations in Winnipeg, then Thursday they spent time in Southwest Saskatchewan visiting the Webb Colony, they had  a chance to see durum in the field then how it is handled at terminal with SWT.

One of the 8 participants in the program was Mr. Tsuda an Assistant Manager for Nisshin Flour Milling at the West Japan Technical Service Center.

Speaking through an interpreter he says they buy a large volume of Canadian wheat and durum.

"We believe that the Canadian bred wheat is the best in the world, and for durum wheat, again it is the best in the world. You can see that Canada supports 50% of the world trade of durum wheat, so obviously the Canadian durum wheat is the best quality," he said.

He also added it was really a good chance for him to experience how the crop is grown and handled.

"Because we buy these raw materials and then process them into flour and make them in to products, it was really good to see how the quality of these raw materials is maintained in Canada, and how they can be used in products," he said.

Tsuda says they want to have a stable supply from Canada and they want to see the consistency in its quality as well as color.

The group also spent time with Research Scientists from AAFC’s Wheat and Durum Breeding Program at the Swift Current Research and Development Center.

They will now tour the Port of Vancouver today before heading home.