Seed Laboratory Accreditation and Audit Protocol

(Seed LAAP version 4.0 - December 2006)

CFIA Saskatoon Laboratories
Seeds Section
Suite 310, 421 Downey Road
Saskatoon, SK
S7N 4L8

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Definitions
• 3. Canadian Food Inspection Agency
  • 3.1 Responsibilities
  • 3.2 Inquiries
• 4. Purpose of the Seed Laboratory Accreditation Program
• 5. Scope
• 6. Conditions for Accreditation
• 7. Steps for Accreditation
• 8. Pre-Accreditation Assessment
  • 8.1 Organization and Management
  • 8.2 Human Resources
  • 8.3 Physical Resources
  • 8.4 Quality Control
  • 8.5 Quality Assurance Manual
  • 8.6 Pre-Accreditation Audit
  • 8.7 Pre-Accreditation Testing
• 9. Post Accreditation Assessment
  • 9.1 Post-Accreditation Testing
  • 9.2 Post-Accreditation Audits
• 10. Suspension of Accreditation and De-accreditation
• 11. Re-accreditation
• 12. Withdrawal
• 13. Others
• Appendix A: Minimum Equipment & Chemicals
  • General Requirements
  • Germination Laboratory
  • Purity Laboratory

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INTRODUCTION

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), through a variety of acts and regulations, has the responsibility to ensure the health, safety, quality and wholesomeness of food and agricultural products. To be credible and fair in the assessment of these products, a laboratory's results must be accurate, reliable and reproducible. CFIA requires that laboratories which provide results for product assessment through the various Canadian Food Inspection programs, meet the requirements outlined in the Laboratory Accreditation and Audit Protocol (LAAP). The LAAP has been developed to assess specific test competence in the scientific disciplines of chemistry, biology and microbiology. The Seed LAAP is an elaboration of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's LAAP to make it specific to the Canadian seed testing program.

The principle criteria for a laboratory wishing to be accredited and maintain its accreditation under this protocol which is verified by an on site audit/assessment are:

• The laboratory's organizational structure must have the capability to operate and maintain testing activities.
• Adequate facilities and equipment must be available to carry out testing activities.
• The laboratory must have in place a documented and acceptable quality system.

In addition:

• The laboratory must demonstrate its capability to perform the specific tests for which accreditation is requested (pre-accreditation samples).
• To maintain its accreditation, the laboratory must demonstrate its capability by successful participation in the post-accreditation proficiency test program and assessments.

Previous and other accreditations are taken into consideration to eliminate duplication and minimize the burden on laboratories.

Laboratories, which meet and maintain the requirements of the Seed LAAP, will be considered to have demonstrated their ability to perform and maintain competence in seed testing.
 

2. DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this document the following are defined:

Accreditation
Formal recognition by CFIA that a laboratory is considered competent to carry out seed purity and/or germination tests.

Accredited Analyst
An analyst who has completed training in seed purity and/or germination testing and has passed the qualifying examination set by CFIA.

Accredited Laboratory
Testing laboratory to which accreditation has been granted.

Accredited Report/Certificate of Analysis
A seed testing report/certificate of analysis, issued by an accredited laboratory, which meets the information requirements of the Canadian Methods and Procedures for Testing Seed, address and contact numbers and a statement that the laboratory has been accredited under the CFIA Seed Laboratory Accreditation program and the assigned accreditation number.

Accredited Tests
Purity or germination tests on named crop kinds, using a recognized standard method.

Auditor
A person who undertakes to conduct a quality audit.

Agent:
Third party conformity body. eg. Canadian Seed Institute (CSI).

Assessor:
A representative of the third party conformity body who undertakes to conduct a quality assessment.

Calibration
Measurements taken to ensure accurate operation of an instrument or piece of equipment throughout its working life.

CFIA
Canadian Food Inspection Agency

CSI
Canadian Seed Institute

Proficiency Test Sample (PT)
A seed sample of known quality, distributed to laboratories for the purpose of assessing proficiency.

Pre-Accreditation Audit
An examination and assessment of competency of a laboratory which has applied for accreditation, as measured by pre-accreditation proficiency samples and an on-site quality audit.

Post-accreditation Audit
An ongoing examination and assessment of a laboratory's competency as measured by the results of proficiency testing and quality audits.

Post-accreditation Proficiency Testing
Determination of the laboratory testing performance by means of inter-laboratory comparison using sets of proficiency test sample panels and /or split samples.

Pre-accreditation Proficiency Sample
A sample or panels of samples prepared for the express purpose of testing proficiency of a laboratory which has applied for accreditation.

Quality Audit
An independent review of a laboratory's quality system.

Quality Manual
A document stating the quality policy, quality system and quality practices of an organization.

Quality Assurance
All those planned and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that test results satisfy predetermined requirements for quality.

Quality Control
The operational techniques and activities that are used to fulfil requirements for quality.

Quality Systems
The collective activities and events that provide an organized plan to ensure that the quality of a product, process or service satisfies the needs of the users.

Split Sample
A sub-sample of an accredited laboratory's sample, drawn for the purpose of monitoring the laboratory's performance.

Non-Accredited Test: Any test not covered under the scope of testing for which the laboratory is accredited.
 

3. CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY

3.1 Responsibilities

Canadian Food Inspection Agency will:

• Amend the protocol as necessary to meet the purpose of accreditation.
• Consult with accredited laboratory representatives and representatives of the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC) to discuss and resolve problems concerning the Seed LAAP or any aspect of the accreditation process.
• Prepare a yearly report of activities.
• Conduct the seed laboratory accreditation program.
• Follow up on complaints or concerns regarding the performance of accredited seed laboratories.

3.2 Inquiries

Any comments, concerns or inquiries about seed laboratory accreditation should be made to:

Chief, Purity, Germination and Accreditation Programs
CFIA Saskatoon Laboratory Seed Science and Technology Section (SSTS)
Suite 310, 421 Downey Road
Saskatoon, SK
S7N 4L8

Phone: (306) 975-5832
Fax: (306) 975-6450
 

4. PURPOSE OF THE SEED LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

• To provide a uniform and technically sound process to ensure the validity of results which may be used for the grading of seed and the release of imported seed lots.
• To identify competent laboratories able to perform accredited tests.
• To add credibility and status to competent laboratories.
• To improve laboratory operations by promoting quality practices and by identifying and correcting deficiencies.
• To identify and correct methodology deficiencies and training needs and to confirm performance specifications in a operating laboratory environment.
• To promote the acceptance of an accredited laboratory's results.
• To facilitate international trade through acceptance of test data from accredited laboratories.
   

5. SCOPE

This protocol applies to laboratories and companies which have chosen to become accredited to establish the acceptability of their laboratory's test results for the purposes of the Seeds Act and Regulations.

Relevant portions of other accreditation programs in which a laboratory participates may be used to fulfil some or all of the requirements of this Seed LAAP.

Facilities, labour relations, safety and accident prevention are the responsibilities of other government agencies and the laboratory. The auditor will comment upon any deficiencies. However the auditor will only request corrective action for deficiencies which affect accredited test results.
 

6. CONDITIONS FOR ACCREDITATION

6.1 The laboratory shall have a Quality Manual.

The laboratory must be operating, have all the required equipment including sample and results entry and quality procedures in place at the time of the pre-accreditation audit.

6.2 All accredited purity and germination tests must be conducted in accordance with the Canadian Methods and Procedure for Testing Seed. Non-accredited tests reported on a Report/Certificate of Analysis must be clearly identified as being non-accredited tests.

6.3 The laboratory shall test all pre-accreditation samples, without reimbursement, and report the results to CFIA within a prescribed time period. The lab shall also participate in the CSI post-accreditation proficiency testing program.

6.4 All Reports/Certificates of Analysis containing results of an accredited test must be signed by the supervisor taking responsibility for the analysis, or by the accredited analyst. The supervisor taking responsibility for the analysis must be an accredited analyst.

6.5 The laboratory shall submit to audits by CFIA or its agent for the purpose of auditing facilities, personnel, equipment, quality systems /quality control procedures, analytical procedures, and any manuals/documents/records pertaining to the above. The frequency of audits/assessments will vary according to a laboratory's performance with an anticipated frequency of once every three years.

6.6 Laboratories which a) pass the pre-accreditation audit and b) meet or exceed pre-accreditation testing requirements will be accredited for the specific crop kinds in the Grade Tables for which accreditation is sought.

6.7 The laboratory and Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Seed Section will be notified that accreditation has been granted. The Accredited laboratory may elect to be identified on a list which will be made public and distributed on request to potential users of their services.

6.8 The laboratory must promptly notify the Chief, Purity, Germination and Accreditation Programs of any changes in supervisory personnel, laboratory name, laboratory ownership or physical facilities as they relate to accredited analyses or to conditions for accreditation.

6.9 Having attained accreditation, the laboratory shall continue to be an accredited laboratory for as long as it complies with the conditions laid out for accreditation, including on-going post-accreditation testing, with maintenance of an acceptable rating.

6.10 Unsuccessful laboratories may withdraw or appeal the findings. The appeal process will require the following;

• A letter to the Director, Saskatoon Laboratory within 30 days after the original decision was made, requesting an appeal of the decision.
• Written documentation to support any allegations of errors or omissions that may have occurred.
• Presentation must be made directly to the appropriate CFIA personnel.
• The decision of the CFIA will be final.
   

7. STEPS FOR ACCREDITATION

1. Application: Laboratories must apply in writing to the Chief, Purity, Germination and Accreditation Programs, Saskatoon Laboratory Seed Science and Technology Section (SSTS). The application will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and program applicability, acknowledged and accepted or rejected.

   The Application for seed laboratory accreditation must clearly include the following information:

   • The name of the laboratory.
   • The type of accreditation sought, ie. purity, germination, or both.
   • The crop kinds to be included in the accreditation.
   • The name(s) of the accredited analyst(s) and copies of their analyst accreditation certificates.
   • The approximate number of samples tested by the laboratory.
   • The expected date of submission of the Quality Manual.

   
   
   

2. Quality Manual: The laboratory must submit its Quality Manual to CFIA for review within four months of submission of the application.
3. Pre-accreditation testing: Accepted labs will be sent a set of pre-accreditation samples to be analysed within a given time period according to the specified test protocol.
4. Pre-accreditation Audit: Arrangements will be made for the CFIA laboratory auditor(s) to visit the lab at a mutually convenient time. The purpose of the audit is to verify the organizational structure, human resources, physical resources, quality system/quality control procedures, and record keeping procedures for the tests under accreditation, as outlined in Section 8. The laboratory must be functional at the time of audit.
5. Audit report: A final CFIA auditor's report is prepared and submitted to the Director, Saskatoon Laboratory within 30 days of the lab visit. This is conditional on the applicant laboratory satisfactorily completing all corrective actions identified during the audit.
6. Correction of non-conformances : Any non-conformances identified during the audit may be verified, depending on the nature of the non-conformance, by another audit or by documentation provided by the laboratory.
7. Accreditation: Laboratories which have successfully completed the above will be accredited.
8. Appeals: Any complaints or appeals for rejection of an application can be made to the Director, Saskatoon Laboratory.
    

8. PRE-ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT

Before accreditation, the laboratory will be assessed on each of the following areas:

8.1 Organization and Management

The organization must have the capability to operate and maintain the testing activity for which accreditation has been requested. Management must be committed to the quality system policy.

8.2 Human Resources

The organization must have knowledgeable, adequately-trained employees to perform the testing activities according to specified protocols, and to manage and maintain all documentation and reporting procedures. An accredited test must be conducted by, or under the supervision of, a seed analyst accredited for the test.

8.2.1 A laboratory which is applying for germination-only accreditation for any of Grade Tables 7-17 and 19 -20, must have working in the laboratory an accredited analyst qualified to conduct purity tests on the crop kinds in these grade tables. Where the laboratory is requesting germination-only accreditation for crop kinds in Grade Tables 1 to 6 and 18, the laboratory must have an accredited analyst or have access to an individual who is an accredited GB grader for Grade Tables 1 to 6.

8.3 Physical Resources

Adequate facilities and equipment must be available to carry out testing activities for which accreditation is sought. Minimum specifications are given in Appendix A.

8.4 Quality Control

The laboratory must have in place a quality system/quality control program to ensure the integrity of accredited testing activities. This should include the following:

1. Records must be maintained for each item of equipment significant to the tests performed. Regular inspection and maintenance of this equipment must be carried out and recorded by the responsible lab personnel.
2. Laboratories must maintain daily records of germination and pre-chill cabinet temperature measurements.
3. All measuring and testing equipment having an effect on the accuracy or validity of tests must be calibrated (eg. balances, thermometers) or verified (eg. thermometers, germinators, precision blowers) before being put into service and thereafter, and records of the calibrations and verification must be kept. These calibration records must be traceable to a National Standard or International Standard.
4. All related seed testing rules, handbooks, manuals and instructions must be maintained up-to-date and readily available to staff.
5. Samples must be uniquely identified to ensure there can be no confusion regarding identity. The condition and integrity of samples must be protected before, during and after analysis. Samples must be held for one year following analysis. In the case of purity analysis, each portion analysed shall be packaged separately and identified.

   Any impurities found shall be packaged separately and identified. All impurities removed as part of the analysis shall be kept separate and with the sample.

6. Results of tests must be reported accurately, clearly, unambiguously and objectively. Records for each test must contain sufficient information to permit satisfactory repetition of the test. Worksheets shall clearly indicate who conducted the test or activity.

   The laboratory shall keep records of qualifications and training for all personnel.

   The laboratory shall keep records of laboratory and analyst proficiency (split sample and inter-laboratory proficiency test samples, internal proficiency checks).

7. The laboratory shall have a policy and procedure for resolutions of complaints received from clients or other parties. Records must be kept of all correspondence received related to testing or reporting errors, and corrective action taken.
8. Internal Audits: The laboratory shall periodically, and in accordance with predetermined schedule and procedures, conduct internal audits of its activities to verify that its operation continues to comply with the requirements of the quality system and the SLAAP.
9. The laboratory must have policies and procedures for the selection and purchasing of the services and supplies it uses that affect the quality of tests and or calculation.
10. All quality records such as test results, corrective actions, maintenance and repair of equipment, proficiency testing results (split samples and proficiency test samples), management reviews, internal and external audit reports must be kept for 5 years.
11. The laboratory shall have procedures and the appropriate equipment for obtaining samples for testing.
12. Management shall periodically conduct a predetermined scheduled review of the laboratory's quality system and testing activities to ensure the systems continuing suitability and effectiveness and to introduce necessary changes and improvements. The result of this review must be documented. The review shall take into account the following:
    • The suitability of policies and procedures;
    • Reports from managerial and supervisory personnel;
    • The outcome of recent internal audits;
    • Corrective and preventative actions;
    • Assessments by external bodies;
    • The results of post-accreditation testing;
    • Changes in the volume and type of work;
    • Client feedback;
    • Complaints;
    • Other relevant factors, such as quality control activities, resources and staff training.

    
    
    

8.5 Quality Assurance Manual

Items 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4 are to be collated and submitted as the Quality Manual.

The Quality Manual must document the quality system . A member of the laboratory staff shall be designated as the Quality Manager. The quality manager shall ensure the quality manual is current, maintained and relevant.

8.6 Pre-Accreditation Audit

The laboratory site will be audited to verify that quality management practices, organization, facilities and quality system /control are maintained as stated. A lead auditor is appointed by the Chief of Purity, Germination and Accreditation to conduct the audit and lead the audit team.

8.7 Pre-Accreditation Testing

Before a laboratory is accredited, it must successfully demonstrate its capability to perform the specific tests for which accreditation is requested.

• Canadian Food Inspection Agency will provide pre-accreditation proficiency samples, and testing instructions for each of the accredited tests under consideration. The samples will be sent out with an acknowledgement letter, a copy of which the lab personnel must sign and return to CFIA.
• The laboratory will report non-receipt or delayed receipt of samples to CFIA and will arrange for sample replacement from the sample originator.
• The laboratory will analyze the samples, following the provided testing instructions and report all results within the specified time period and keep records of results.
• If the samples are not forwarded to CFIA within a specified period, work on the accreditation request will be suspended until such time that CFIA is contacted.
• The results will be evaluated for test procedures, reporting and compared with the expected results.
• CFIA will prepare a pre-accreditation proficiency sample report and provide a copy to the laboratory.
   

9. POST-ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT

A laboratory must submit to audits by a third party conformity body, currently the CSI, and successfully participate in post-accreditation proficiency testing to maintain their accreditation status and to have results accepted by the CFIA.

9.1 Post-Accreditation Testing

A laboratory's on-going capability to test is monitored by the post-accreditation testing program.

• CFIA, with its agent, will determine the quota of split samples to be taken from each accredited lab based on its performance and scope of accreditation.
• Samples for testing will be submitted to the CFIA laboratory by;

  i) the accredited laboratory
  ii) the CSI Assessor

• The accredited lab will keep their samples for at least 12 months from the date of analysis for the purpose of this program.
• The CFIA agent will provide a receipt of sample possession to the accredited labs for each sample that is taken. The samples will be retained by CFIA for 12 months (1 year) after testing, then disposed of or returned to the accredited laboratory, according to the laboratory's instructions.
• The CFIA with its agent will determine the annual quota of proficiency test sample panels to be provided to the accredited laboratory for analysis.
• On completion of the test, CFIA will provide the CSI assessor with the results on each split sample tested. CFIA will also prepare an annual evaluation report on all the PT programs and provide this information to the CSI.
• The laboratory must participate in the proficiency test programs, maintain the required levels of proficiency, and correct areas of proficiency failing to meet standards.

9.2 Post-Accreditation Audits

The laboratory site will be audited by CSI agents or CFIA, if required, to verify that quality management practices, organization, facilities and quality control are maintained as stated in the laboratory's quality manual.
 

10. SUSPENSION OF ACCREDITATION AND DE-ACCREDITATION

• Laboratories will have their accreditation suspended as a result of significant post-accreditation non-conformance and testing failures as determined through the post-accreditation assessments. Lack of appropriate and timely corrective action could lead to de-accreditation.
• Laboratories will be de-accredited if there is evidence that the laboratory has willfully taken actions that are contrary to the Seed LAAP process and thereby calls into question the credibility of the results produced by the lab. Examples of such actions are the falsification of results or data or the willful destruction of evidence, samples or records that would demonstrate incompetence in the testing of a particular sample or groups of samples.
• Suspension of accreditation and de-accreditation action are subject to appeal.
  (See section 6.10)
   

11. RE-ACCREDITATION

• The manager of a laboratory can re-apply for accreditation by writing to the Director, Saskatoon Laboratory.
• Evidence of compliance with the requirements of the Seed LAAP will be required and/or evidence of corrective action may be requested, prior to accepting a request for re-accreditation.
   

12. WITHDRAWAL

Laboratories may withdraw from the accreditation program at any time by informing the Director, Saskatoon Laboratory in writing.

Also, failure to meet Seed LAAP requirements could lead to de-accreditation which can be initiated by CFIA.
 

13. OTHERS

Samples may be distributed to laboratories to verify methodology and to develop or confirm performance standard of a method. Laboratories are requested to participate in these tests, but participation is voluntary and not a mandatory requirement for maintenance of accreditation status.
 

APPENDIX A: MINIMUM FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Accredited Seed Testing Laboratory
Note: Equipment may be shared between a purity and a germination laboratory

General Requirements

General facility

• Testing must be conducted in an area dedicated to seed testing.
• The laboratory must be operational

Mechanical mixer/divider: At least one of the following, of a size appropriate for the kind(s) of seed included in accreditation.

• Centrifugal divider (Gamet)
• Boerner divider
• Riffle (soil) divider
• Any device which can be shown to randomly mix seed

Documentation:

• Report/Certificate of Analysis must contain the information stated in the Methods and Procedures as well as the laboratory's accreditation number.

References

• Methods and Procedures for Testing Seed (current edition)
• Canada Seeds Act and Regulations (current edition)
• At least one flora, eg. Gray's Manual of Botany, or access to the USDA/ARS/GRIN website on the internet.
• AOSA Rules current version (including the current versions of the applicable handbooks ie. AOSA Seedling Evaluation Handbook 35, AOSA Uniform Blowing Procedure Handbook 24 and AOSA Uniform Classification of Weed and Crop Seeds Handbook 25).
• ISTA Rules current version.

Sample storage area

• Capacity to store samples for one year following analysis.
• Storage system adequate to maintain integrity of samples.

Germination Laboratory (See also General Requirements)

Germination bench space

• Sufficient space for planting and evaluating samples
• Sufficient illumination.

Germination chamber

• Capable of maintaining the temperature prescribed for the crop kind(s) included in the scope of accreditation, ± 2°C.
• If alternating temperatures are prescribed, then either must have;
  • a chamber capable of automatically alternating temperatures, with the changeover being accomplished in less than one hour; or
  • a second chamber capable of maintaining the second prescribed temperature, ± 2°C.
• The germination chamber system must be capable of maintaining high humidity around the seeds in the test, either with a humidified chamber, or enclosed tests.
• If accreditation covers species for which light is prescribed, the chamber must be equipped with cool white fluorescent lights with a light intensity of at least 750 lux (75 ft.c.)

Prechill chamber (required only if accreditation includes crop kinds requiring prechilling)

• Capable of maintaining a specified constant temperature between of 5°C to 10°C, +/- 2°C

Water for moistening substrate

• Must meet the specifications of 4.5.3 of the M&P.
• Must be reasonably free of chemical and organic impurities.
• pH must range between 6 and 7.5.

Water for cleaning equipment

• There must be a source of running water within the laboratory, enough to allow for routine cleaning of trays, containers , housekeeping etc.

Balance (for preparation of chemical solutions)

• Capacity at least 100 g.
• At least two decimal places.

Thermometers

• One for each germination and prechill chamber.

Magnifier in the range of 3X to 7X

Sand, for use as a primary substrate and/or as a retesting medium

• Must meet the specifications given in Section 4.5.2.a of the M&P.
• Must be non-phytotoxic, as determined by the phytotoxicity test described in Section 4.5.6 of the M&P.

Soil or potting mix, etc. For use as a retesting medium

• Must meet the specifications given in Section 4.5.2.c of the M&P.
• Must be non-phytotoxic, as determined by the phytotoxicity test described in Section 4.5.6 of the M&P.

Paper substrata (towels, blotters, filter paper), for use as a primary substrate. (Not required if accredited only for crop kinds for which sand is an allowed substrate).

• Type depends on M&P prescription and laboratory preference.
• Must meet the specifications given in Section 4.5.2.b of the M&P.
• Must be non-phytotoxic, as determined by the phytotoxicity test described in Section 4.5.6 of the M&P.

Test containers

• One or more of cardboard, aluminum, glass, plastic boxes, petri dishes, etc. Type depends on laboratory preference. Must be appropriate for the use.
• Must be non-phytotoxic, as determined by the phytotoxicity test described in Section 4.5.6 of the M&P.

Potassium nitrate (KN0₃)

Tetrazolium (2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride)

Miscellaneous equipment

• Calculator
• Seamless mixing pans, at least four
• Forceps
• Purity knife
• Scalpel
• Dissecting needles, at least two
• Seed envelopes
• Record cards and/or germination worksheets
• Cleaning brush
• Containers/implements for mixing sand
• Sieve and pan set for separating seedlings from sand

Additional References:

• The current version of the ISTA Handbook on Tetrazolium Testing

Purity Laboratory (See also General Requirements)

Purity workbench

• Clear working surface
• Sufficient illumination

Stereo microscope (required if accreditation includes crop kinds of Grade Tables VII-XX)

• Magnification with a range of at least 10X to 30X
• Illuminator

Top-loading balance

• Capacity of at least 1500 g.
  At least one decimal place. (Required if accreditation includes crop kinds of Grade Tables I-VI, XVI and XVIII).
• Capacity of at least 150 g.
  At least two decimal places. (Required if accreditation includes crop kinds of Grade Tables VII-XV, XVII, XIX, XX).

Analytical balance (Required if accreditation includes crop kinds of Grade Tables VII, XV-XIII)

• Capacity of at least 150 g.
• At least four decimal places

Seed blower and calibration samples (required only if accreditation includes Poa or Dactylis)

• Precision blower equivalent to General or Ottawa blower
• Kentucky bluegrass calibration sample as set out in M&P.
• Orchard Grass calibration sample as set out in M&P

Diaphanoscope (required only if accreditation includes crop kinds of Grade Tables XI-XIII)

Ultra-Violet light (35 nm) (required only if accreditation includes Agropyron)

Brassica boards, at least two (or equivalent) (required if accreditation includes Brassica)

Reference seed collection containing:

• Weeds listed in the Reference Collection of Weed Seeds (all noxious weeds and common other weeds)
• Common crop species

Screen set.

Miscellaneous equipment

• Calculator
• Seamless sub-sample containers, eg. cups, at least ten.
• Seamless mixing pans, at least four
• Hand lens, magnification between 3X and 10X.
• Forceps
• Purity knife
• Scalpel
• Dissecting needles, at least two
• Seed envelopes
• Record cards and/or purity worksheets
• Cleaning brush

Additional References:

• At least one seed identification reference, eg. USDA Handbook 219