Elevate Your Expertise in the Pulse and Special Crops Sector
CPSC Academy is a training program exclusively for staff of CPSC Member companies to gain valuable insights from industry experts and peers. Designed specifically for the pulse and special crops sector, our program helps you deepen your knowledge across an array of critical topics.
Comprehensive Learning
CPSC Academy covers seven essential modules, each lasting 2 hours, delivered virtually over a 12-month period.
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Sessions Developed and Led by Industry Experts
Learn from experienced professionals and industry leaders who bring real-world expertise to each session.
Convenient Virtual Format
Participate in live modules virtually, eliminating the cost and time associated with travel.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Format
The CPSC Academy consists of seven modules, spread over a year. Each module is 2 hours in length, delivered virtually, and is followed by a brief evaluation to check understanding.
The first cohort of participants completed the program in June, 2025. Future programs will be announced soon.
Pricing
All Modules: $600 per participant
Single Module: $150 per participant
How to Apply
More information on future CPSC Academy programming will be released soon.
MODULE DETAILS
| Module 1: Trade Basics |
| Understand market fundamentals to support informed marketing decisions. This module covers domestic and international balance sheets, market dynamics, seasonal influences, and price determination. Learn how Canadian products fit into the global market and develop basic risk management skills to enhance your marketing strategies. |
| Module 2: Trade Contracts |
| Understand the purpose and key terms of trade contracts and rules including CPSC, GPC, GAFTA and Incoterms 2020. This module covers domestic purchase and sales contracts, rights and obligations, and contract risk assessment. |
| Module 3: Freight and Logistics |
| Learn the chain of events required to successfully execute an international sale, meeting contract specifics and fulfilling both buyer and seller expectations. This module covers the fundamentals of commodity contracts, farm purchase allocation, processing time management, and selecting transportation modes efficiently and timely. |
| Module 4: Trade Documentation |
| Understand the required documentation for contracts and learn to generate necessary documents for seamless goods transition. This module guides participants through the export process of special crops and pulses, emphasizing due diligence and monitoring trade documentation from sale to fulfillment. |
| Module 5: Risk and Credit Management |
| Increase your awareness of fundamental risk management tools to mitigate positional, inventory, and payment risks in grain trading. This module covers implementing proper position controls, conducting regular profit and loss reporting, valuing inventory to market, and monitoring payment terms closely throughout contract duration. |
| Module 6: CPSC Trade and Arbitration Rules |
| Explore the CPSC Arbitration Rules, roles and procedural guidelines. Understand the importance and advantages of industry-led arbitration over legal action in court. This module clarifies the arbitration process, including the procedures from commencement to conclusion. |
| Module 7: Regulatory Frameworks |
| Explore key regulatory frameworks from CFIA, CGC, and CBSA. This module focuses on streamlining regulatory processes, demystifying licensing requirements, and enhancing understanding of compliance obligations. Gain insights into CGC licensing procedures, security requirements (bond, irrevocable L/C, or payables insurance), customs rules, no objection certificates, and working with CFIA for correct sampling and phytosanitary certificates. |
SESSION INSTRUCTION
Led By Experts
The modules of CPSC Academy will delivered by Marlene Boersch of Mercantile Consulting Venture.
Why Mercantile? Marlene is the 2023 recipient of the CPSC Industry Appreciation award and has decades of experience in the global grain trade and now provides consulting services for framers, processors, traders, associations and government.
Marlene actively traded commodities and pulses internationally for 20 years and can draw on experience in executing contracts to various geographies. Along with industry experts to provide real life insight and experience, Marlene will deliver expertly crafted modules for participants in the Academy.