Update on Pilot Project for Soybean Seed Crop Inspection

A pilot project for Certified soybean seed crop inspection is planned for the Chatham and London areas in 2011. The pilot project is designed to examine opportunities for greater flexibility and streamlining of seed crop inspection delivery.

As with current seed crop inspection programs for hybrid corn and hybrid canola, individuals who have been trained, evaluated and licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be authorized by the CFIA to inspect a number of Certified soybean seed crops.

Since August 2010, development of this pilot project has been guided by a working group with members from:

• CFIA
• Canadian Seed Growers' Association (CSGA)
• Canadian Seed Institute (CSI)
• Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA)

The pilot project will evaluate two inspection models, using two previously authorized seed crop inspection services.

1. Second-party inspection model: Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd.
   Pioneer Hi-Bred employees will inspect fields producing Certified soybean crops with crop certificates assigned to Pioneer Hi-Bred.
2. Third-party inspection model: 20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
   Independent third-party seed crop inspectors will inspect approximately 60 fields producing Certified soybean crops that are not assigned to Pioneer Hi-Bred.

The CFIA will continue to retain overall responsibility for seed certification, including monitoring and auditing all seed crop inspection activities. The CFIA will also continue to inspect Certified soybean crops not included in the pilot project and all fields planted with Breeder, Select and Foundation status seed.

There are no additional costs to growers with crops included in this research pilot project.

A notice will be sent to all growers selected to participate in the project. These growers will also be contacted by either Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd. or 20/20 Seed Labs Inc. before crop inspection. Only some fields in the Chatham and London areas producing Certified soybean crops will be included in the pilot project. Locations and number of fields included in the project will be finalized by early August.

Additional information:

• Pilot project Questions and Answers
• Notice to Industry: 2011-02-17 - 2011 Pilot Project for Soybean Seed Crop Inspection