Course Overview

Grades and standards specify grain characteristics providing assurance of quality and safety of the commodities, while
forming a basis for pricing/valuation thereby facilitating marketing. As such, sampling, testing and grading are at the
heart of grain quality control and are thus critical parts of any grain business. Missteps in any of these functions can have significant adverse business implications such as losses attributed to food contamination, sub-standard products,
inability to meet contractual obligations with off-takers/clients, loss of market opportunities, and even exposing the company to legal enforcement actions by regulators should the consignment(s) be intercepted in the market.

This course is designed to equip grain handlers with fundamental skills in grain sampling, testing and grading processes during grain intake and dispatch to ensure that the grains comply with the set food standards e.g., East African Standard (EAS) and other statutory requirements. To provide a comprehensive coverage, the course covers grain quality standards for selected grains, appropriate sampling methods of selected grains, application of recommended sampling as per the relevant standards, practical laboratory testing of samples and determination of grades and grain quality control. [Successful completion of this training improves the performance of grain samplers and graders, thus improving quality control processes at the business, which ultimately reduces sampling, testing and grading costs, mitigate risks involved in grain trading and increase business profitability.]

Course outline

  • Importance and purpose of grain standards.
  • Importance of standardization of grain grading for a structured market trading.
  • General grain quality attributes and those critical for determination of grade.
  • Applying the correct grain sampling procedures, methods, and equipment.
  • Quality characteristics and grade of grain samples.
  • Grain food and feed safety requirements and testing methods.
  • Maintaining grain quality after harvest – basics of drying and storage.
  • Basics of pest control and warehouse management

Specific Outcomes

  • Competency in grain sampling.
  • Competence in grain testing and grading as per the relevant standards.
  • Enhanced skills in managing hazards and risks within the warehouse.
  • Achieve maximum performance in inventory management.
  • Eliminate waste in processes and stock management.
  • Appreciate the various grain testing and grading equipment, their use, and the associated maintenance practices.
  • Recognition by the EAGC-GBI: Attain EAGC-GBI course completion certificate.

Delivery Method

Stimulating lecture, analytical learning through exercises, groups discussions, practical session, experiential field visit, experience sharing, and case studies

Duration

2 Weeks Theory (Online) + Theory Exams and 2 days (In-person) training + Practical Exam

Target Client

  • Grain samplers and graders
  • quality control officers/managers,
  • grain laboratory analysts
  • warehouse operators/managers,
  • commodity traders
  • food processors
  • farmer-based organisations/cooperatives
  • regulators
  • risk managers
  • food reserve agency personnel.