Quality System Procedure 142.1: Pedigreed Seed Crop Inspection Procedures

Table of Contents

 

Date

Version 5.1 of the Pedigreed Seed Crop Inspection Procedures was issued May 15, 2012.

Contact

The contact person for this document is the National Manager, Seed Section.

Review

This Seed Program Quality System Procedure (QSP) is subject to periodic review. Amendments will be issued from time to time to ensure the procedure continues to meet current needs.

Endorsement

This Seed Program QSP is hereby approved.


Director, Field Crops and Inputs Division


Date

Distribution

The most up-to-date version of this document will be maintained on the CFIA Iinternet and intranet sites (Merlin) sites. In addition, the signed original will be maintained by the National Manager, Seed Section.

0.0 Introduction

This Seed Program Quality System Procedure (QSP) outlines the principles and strategies for the implementation of the Canadian seed crop inspection program. The purpose of the program is the inspection and certification of seed crops. Pedigreed crop production involves maintaining and safeguarding varietal identity and varietal purity during seed multiplication. The Canadian Seed Growers' Association (CSGA) is identified in the Seeds Regulations as the seed crop certification authority for most seed crops in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) seed crop inspection program provides seed crop inspection services as Canada's seed certification authority in its administration and enforcement of the Seeds Act and Regulations and under its obligations as the national designated authority for administration of the OECD Seed Schemes in Canada.

1.0 Scope

This QSP concerning the seed crop inspection program is consistent with the CFIA Act, the Seeds Act and Regulations and the guidelines/requirements outlined in:

  • The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Control Plot Tests and Field Inspection of Seed Crops;
  • The CSGA's Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (CSGA Circular 6);
  • Requirements for the Delivery of the Seed Crop Inspection Program (SPRA 141).

This QSP applies in all cases where pedigreed seed crop inspection is provided either by CFIA staff or by licensed seed crop inspectors.

2.0 References

The publications referred to in the development of this QSP are identified in SPRA 111 References. In addition, the following were used:

  • CFIA Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code;
  • Occupational Health Assessment Guide (OHAG);
  • CFIA Program Audit Policy;
  • Genetic and Crop Standards of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies.

3.0 Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms

3.1 Definitions

For the purposes of this QSP, the definitions given in SPRA 101 and the following apply:

Authorized Seed Crop Inspection Service
An entity that has received written authorization from the National Manager, Seed Section to provide seed crop inspection services.
Certificate
Documents recognized by CSGA for inspection purposes that may include:
  • OECD labels and tags;
  • AOSCA labels and tags;
  • Farmer proof of pedigreed seed purchase;
  • CSGA crop certificates and tags (Breeder and Select);
  • CFIA labels and tags.
Licensed Seed Crop Inspector
An individual who has been licensed to conduct pedigreed seed crop inspection, for an authorized seed crop inspection service, and who is audited to verify ongoing conformity with program requirements.
Official Seed Crop Inspector
An individual employed by the CFIA who is qualified to conduct pedigreed seed crop inspection.
Recertification
The production of an additional generation of the Certified seed class upon permission of the CSGA, or for export purposes.
Variety Description
A detailed listing of the characteristics used as the basis for identifying and distinguishing varieties.

3.2 Abbreviations and Acronyms

AOSCA
Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies
CFIA
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
CSGA
Canadian Seed Growers' Association
LSTS
Laboratory Sample Tracking System
OECD
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
OHAG
Occupational Health Assessment Guide
OSH
Occupational Safety and Health
PRS
Product Registration System
QSP
Quality System Procedure
SPRA
Seed Program Regulatory Authority
SWI
Specific Work Instruction

4.0 Outline

For the purposes of this program, the CFIA shall only employ inspectors proficient in the delivery of seed crop inspection activities. This QSP outlines the inspection procedures that must be followed by all seed crop inspectors, official or licensed. Monitoring of official and licensed crop inspectors is conducted in accordance with Program policies and procedures.

Where pedigreed seed crop inspection is provided by authorized seed crop inspection services, the CFIA shall demonstrate that the licensed inspection staff are evaluated and competent to perform the function. All industry inspection staff shall be individually licensed according to QSP 142.2 Authorized Seed Crop Inspection Program.

In performing their duties, inspectors must adhere to this QSP, applicable seed crop inspection specific work instructions (SWIs) and CSGA's Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (Circular 6).

5.0 General Requirements

5.1 The Roles of the CSGA

The CSGA is identified in the Seeds Regulations as the official seed crop certification agency, excepting seed potatoes. The CSGA prescribes officially recognized standards for varietal purity and issues officially recognized crop certificates for seed crops meeting CSGA standards.

The CSGA is responsible for:

  • receiving applications and fees for seed crop inspection;
  • distributing applications for seed crop inspection and preprinted Reports of Seed Crop Inspection to official seed crop inspectors. When the latter contain coded instructions, the inspectors must refer to Appendix IV;
  • receiving and assessing completed Reports of Seed Crop Inspection and other inspection reports;
  • issuing crop certificates for crops meeting the requirements of the Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production;
  • consulting CFIA operations staff on specific reports as appropriate;
  • submitting pedigreed seed crop inspection fees to CFIA;
  • notifying CFIA when permission for recertification is granted.

The "Foreword" of CSGA's Circular 6 provides a brief historical summary and structure of the pedigreed seed system in Canada.

5.2 Operational Procedures

Every region shall comply with the standard SPRA 141 Requirements for the Delivery of the Seed Crop Inspection Program and all associated QSPs and SWIs.

5.3 Regional Responsibility

5.3.1 Certification of Official Seed Crop Inspectors

In order to be an official seed crop inspector, the candidate must:

  • be an independent individual and must declare any conflict of interest as required by the CFIA;
  • state s/he has no medical conditions that would prevent him/her from walking long distances in adverse conditions (heat, sun, humidity, dust, pollen, insects), and pass health evaluations as required and as described in the OHAG;
  • meet the Class 1 colour vision standards of the OHAG and have sufficient visual acuity to possess a valid driver's licence;
  • achieve 80% or better on written and practical evaluations approved by the National Manager of the Seed Section;
  • be certified through CFIA's seed crop inspector certification program (QSP 142.4) as required.

5.3.2 Confirmation of Official Crop Inspectors

To ensure the competence of Official Crop Inspectors, the regions are to:

  • provide to Seed Section a list of candidates who have met the evaluation criteria;
  • maintain candidate files, including training and evaluation decision documents, records of inspections, and results of surveillance audits or monitoring;
  • maintain a list of all official and licensed seed crop inspectors in the region and annually provide this list to Area Program Specialists and Seed Section;
  • provide inspection staff with any program updates or relevant technical bulletins, within 14 days of receipt.

5.3.3 Licensing Private Crop Inspectors

The procedures for the licensing of private crop inspectors are contained in QSP 142.2 Authorized Seed Crop Inspection Program. The restrictions on their inspection activities are also provided in that document.

5.4 The Inspector's Responsibility

The inspector must organize inspections in a manner to inspect crops at the appropriate time of day and plant growth stage. The inspector must also organize inspections so as to maximize efficiency, allowing for resource management standards to be met.

It is the inspector's responsibility to thoroughly describe the crop as it appears at the time of inspection, in a report provided to the CSGA on a timely basis.

The inspector must reference the variety description, Circular 6, and the Report of Seed Crop Inspection when questioned respecting crop varietal purity standards.

The inspector must not, under any circumstance, anticipate the action the CSGA may take concerning the crop, nor should any recommendation regarding the acceptance or refusal of crop certification be made.

The inspector shall ensure confidentiality and security of inspection information. This includes market information, volume and/or value of production, and variety parentage or production methods that are of a confidential nature. An inspector must not discuss one grower's crop with any other party. Inspectors must ensure that inspection reports or the contents of such reports are not accessible by other parties. Confidential personal or business information under the control of the CFIA shall not be disclosed except for the purposes for which it is intended. CFIA may only share this confidential information with the CSGA and the applicant.

In addition to confidential grower information, inspectors are responsible for maintaining confidential breeder information included in variety descriptions. Variety descriptions obtained from PRS or CSGA are provided solely for the purposes of crop inspection and variety verification, and must not be distributed to anyone outside of the Agency. Information included in variety descriptions may be considered to be confidential business information by the owner of the variety.

Other inspector responsibilities include:

  • protecting their personal safety by taking reasonable precautions against harm;
  • obtaining all required crop inspection tools;
  • advising their supervisor of any potential conflicts of interest;
  • maintaining good public relations;
  • providing any rough notes taken pertaining to inspections to the supervisor to be retained for two years; and
  • "as required" term inspectors must provide any rough notes taken pertaining to inspections to their supervisor at the end of season.
  • being able to identify the common weed species in their geographic area as well as prohibited noxious weeds.

5.4.1 Public Relations

It is important that the inspector maintain a professional decorum in his/her work. A few examples of good public relations for seed crop inspectors:

  • making contact by telephone in advance of arrival for crop inspection;
  • inviting the grower to accompany the inspector on the crop inspection;
  • closing any gates opened to access or exit the field;
  • not smoking in the field;
  • wearing appropriate dress;
  • when driving between fields, avoiding damage to crops;
  • being prepared to show appropriate identification upon request;
  • providing copies of completed Reports of Seed Crop Inspection to the grower on a timely basis.

5.4.2 Health and Safety Considerations of Crop Inspection

Each official inspector is responsible for following the CFIA Crop Inspection Job Hazard Analysis and Safe Work Practices found in Appendix I. Supervisors are the employee's first contact for questions or concerns regarding aspects of health and safety on the job. The inspector must advise the supervisor of their travel plans (where and when) for the day.

Inspectors must work under safe conditions only. Any unsafe condition or activity must be reported to the supervisor or site official (grower or person responsible for the crop manager and/or the land) immediately. The inspector may resume work only after the situation has been properly assessed and corrected as required.

Inspectors must dress appropriately to the climatic conditions including cold temperatures. Waterproof boots, pants, and coat are helpful in rain or irrigation. Proper dress includes proper footwear; the inspector should never walk barefoot or in sandals when crop inspecting. If lightening is near, the inspector shall remain in or return to his/her vehicle. Insect repellent or netting are also usual necessities.

Before entering any crop, the inspector should ask the grower what chemicals have been applied and when. The inspector must communicate with the grower to determine the applied product and to determine the safe re-entry time. An inspector should not enter a crop that smells of a recent chemical application until it is safe and must be aware of spray planes in the immediate area. The inspector should also ask the grower if there are any other hazards that may be encountered in the crop and proceed accordingly. The inspector must be alert for vicious animals and hidden dangers when driving and walking. The inspector must never drive a grower's farm equipment. Other hazards may be encountered. The CFIA Guidelines for Working in the Out-of-Doors are included in Appendix I. Crop inspection routinely involves working in sun and heat. The CFIA guidelines for Working in Heat or Sun and other information provided by the National Occupational Health and Safety Network is included in Appendix I.

5.5 The Grower's or Contractor's Responsibility

The grower who wishes to produce a pedigreed seed crop must have the standing crop inspected by an official or licensed seed crop inspector. To do so, the grower must make an application to the CSGA for crop inspection by the established deadline date. If the grower had an inspection the previous year, the application form will be sent automatically by the CSGA. A first time or returning seed grower must request an application from the CSGA. The completed application form contains the information relevant to the inspection and verification of the crop's varietal purity.

In the case where a contractor has a crop produced by a grower, the application is made in the name of the grower of the crop, although the crop certificate can be assigned to the contractor by completing CSGA form F179. This contractual agreement is typically made when a grower does not have proprietary rights to produce or sell the variety. Application for crop inspection of breeder plots must be applied for under the name of the plant breeder or breeding institution, not in the name of the grower.

Payment covering the cost of inspection should be sent with the application form. The CSGA is responsible for collecting all service fees related to crop inspection (except reinspection or land use inspection). The service fees are outlined in the fee schedule that accompanies the application. All accepted applicants become members of the CSGA.

The grower should assist with the inspection process to assure that it remains an effective and efficient service. Growers are responsible for ensuring their crops are inspected prior to swathing/harvesting; swathed or cut crops cannot be inspected per se (except under instruction from the CSGA). Growers are responsible for having roguing activities completed and isolation distances in place prior to inspection.

The following are a few examples of requests an inspector may make of the grower. The inspector may request the grower to:

  • be available or have some responsible person on hand to assist the inspector on the day of crop inspection;
  • provide field maps with the application that are clear with all fields and buildings identified. All required information is to be identified completely and accurately;
  • make available to the inspector the seed tags/previous crop certificates for planted seed. These should be sorted by field then by lot prior to presentation to the inspector;
  • drive the inspector to the crop by tractor, jeep, etc. when distance and/or difficult conditions exist;
  • open gates and move other obstructions;
  • assist, where requested, in measuring Select and/or Foundation plots;
  • provide relevant information on recent pesticide application or imminent aerial pesticide application and other known hazards (bears, hawks, rattlesnakes, vicious dogs).

5.6 Crop Inspections Provided by the CFIA

The following are seed crop inspection services provided by the CFIA:

  • standard inspections required for the crop to be pedigreed as specified in CSGA's Circular 6. The fee for service is for pedigreed seed crop inspection. These inspections include inspection for volunteer corn when a pedigreed corn seed crop follows a corn crop. The inspection fees are payable to the CSGA at the time of submitting the application requesting crop inspections. The CSGA will take responsibility for billing for late applications;
  • inspections described by CSGA as additional inspections permitted but for which the grower must bear the additional costs. Examples include land use inspections and re-inspections to verify border removal. These inspection fees are payable to the CFIA.

Since these inspections are described in the CSGA Circular 6 as a requirement under certain conditions, the additional fees for this service are the same as those charged by CFIA for regular inspection as outlined in the CFIA Fees Notice, Part 14. In the case of border removal inspection, the fee will be based on the total acres of the entire crop.

The pre-printed crop inspection report form will clearly identify reports for "Land Use". This identifier may be used to initiate invoicing by the region.

  • Inspections not described in the CSGA Circular 6 are permitted on occasion to meet a specific need. The inspections falling into this type include:
    • second inspections requested by the grower and granted by the inspection supervisor;
    • any other crop inspection not previously described.

These latter inspections are distinct from the other two types because they are not described in the CSGA Circular 6, and must be dealt with on an individual merit basis. These inspections cannot be programmed in the regular inspection schedule and must be inspected independently, and only if time and resources of inspection staff permit.

For the second and third categories of inspections, the inspector must complete a Report of Seed Crop Inspection at the time of inspection and the region must invoice the grower for the cost of inspection.

QSP 142.2 provides information on inspections that may be provided by an authorized seed crop inspection service.

6.0 General Crop Inspection Procedures

The inspector must make reasonable attempts to contact the grower prior to the inspection to ensure the grower's or assignee's responsibilities outlined in Section 5.5 are/will be met.

6.1 Preparing for Crop Inspection

6.1.1 Required Documents and Materials

  • CSGA's Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production, as well as other CSGA crop inspection technical bulletins such as 'Rogues and Roguing';
  • Specific Work Instructions (SWIs) for the crop kind to be inspected;
  • CSGA Application Form;
  • Variety description for the variety to be inspected;
  • Weed identification references (for example, Weeds of Canada)
  • Weed Seeds Order (Please ensure you have the most recent version);
  • Report of Seed Crop Inspection (CFIA/ACIA 1115) for crops other than corn. This requirement applies to official crop inspectors only. For field corn hybrids and inbreds, the inspector must refer to SWI 142.1.2-1 Hybrid Corn Crop Inspection Procedures. Additional reporting records are required for industrial hemp, millet and sorghum and are found in SWI 142.1.2-7 Special Crops and New Crop Inspection Procedures;
  • Detailed map of the assigned area, e.g., county map to efficiently locate field for inspection;
  • Measuring devices such as hand counter, metre wheel, ruler;
  • Writing pad, clipboard, pens, notebook;
  • Plastic bags and manilla envelopes for saving deviant and normal plants for variety verification purposes. This requirement applies to official crop inspectors only;
  • Hand lens and/or magnifying glass;
  • Envelopes for grower/applicant copies of Report of Seed Crop Inspection;
  • Required personal protective equipment including sun protection;
  • In addition, crop inspectors must have copies of CSGA's Official Verification of Isolation Corrective Action Notice (Appendix X) and, for official crop inspectors, the Crop Inspection Job Hazard Analysis and Safe Work Practices (Appendix I).

6.1.2 Preparation Activities

The inspector will carefully review the application and preprinted Report of Seed Crop Inspection. The inspector should note the information that CSGA is requesting the inspector to provide. In addition, where the application indicates that the crop was planted with imported seed, every effort should be made to verify the tag, regardless of whether tag verification had been requested on the preprinted report. Appendix IV provides a listing of instructional codes and abbreviations used by CSGA. In performing this review, the inspector will determine the pedigreed status of the crop to be inspected, estimate the approximate growth stage of the crop based on the planting date, and identify the pollination mechanism of the crop. Appendix XI provides a list of CSGA class codes to assist the inspector in determining the pedigreed status of the seed planted. If the application indicates that the crop was planted with Certified seed, the inspector must refer to Section 10.4.

The inspector must attempt to contact the grower to determine the current stage of growth in order to accurately schedule their inspection activities. The inspector must arrange to meet with the grower prior to inspection to verify crop certificates or seed tags of parent seed planted, and to assess the growth stage of the crop to determine the best time of inspection to assess varietal purity.

In scheduling inspections, it is the inspector's responsibility to organize inspections to inspect crops at the appropriate growth stage as well as to maximize efficiency. It is appropriate for an inspector to delay inspections when the crop has not reached the appropriate growth stage or when a pesticide has just been applied (or application is imminent) and it is not safe to enter the crop.

The inspector must review the variety description and the appropriate SWI prior to performing the inspection.

Where it is unclear as to the intended destination of the pedigreed seed crop, inspectors must provide inspection details sufficient for assessment at the highest possible generation standard. For example, it may be unclear as to whether a cereal crop planted with Select seed is intended to produce Foundation or Certified seed. It may also be unclear as to whether a hybrid canola crop is intended for export under the OECD Seed Schemes or for domestic use. The inspector must provide sufficient information to allow an assessment of the respective cereal and hybrid canola crops for Foundation status and for OECD export.

6.2 Description of Variety

The official variety description identifies the morphological characteristics of the plant, known variants within the variety, and the maximum acceptable population level of any known variants as defined by the plant breeder. Crop inspection should not take place unless the inspector has a variety description for the variety being inspected. For registered varieties, official crop inspectors may obtain the description through the supervisor or the PRS. If the PRS indicates that an application has been received, contact the Variety Registration Office to determine if a description is available. If the crop kind is not available through the PRS, the inspector must contact the supervisor or Area Program Specialist. For varieties exempted from variety registration requirements, the CSGA will provide a description. For other circumstances, such as OECD multiplication and licensed crop inspection, it is the responsibility of the grower/contractor to provide the variety description in one of Canada's official languages. The variety description may also contain additional certification standards and inspection requirements (example, increased isolation distances established by breeder). It is the inspector's responsibility to ensure that these additional requirements have been addressed during the inspection.

6.3 Crop Survey

If the inspector is unable to locate the crop with the directions provided, s/he should contact the grower for clarification of the crop location.

When approaching the crop for inspection, the inspector should perform a cursory verification. This will allow the inspector to estimate the field size, shape, and topography so that the travel pattern can be determined.

The inspector should also examine the seed crop as a whole to verify that it is consistent with the characteristics of the variety as provided in the variety description to verify that s/he is in the correct location. The inspector should make a quick sketch of the field in the rough inspection notes, noting the travel pattern to be walked and areas where counts will be made. While the development of rough notes is not mandatory, including the sketch, they can be of great use and reference in many situations and are highly recommended. When rough notes are developed, they must have a clear link to the final report i.e., they must include field location information.

When selecting a travel pattern, the inspector must balance the need for the highest degree of accuracy in inspection with the most efficient use of the inspector's time. A travel pattern that will allow the greatest degree of coverage in the inspection for the amount of distance traveled will increase accuracy and conserve time. Appendix IX provides commonly used travel patterns and a brief discussion of their usage.

To reduce bias, count locations must be randomly predetermined before starting to inspect the crop. Counts of contaminants should be made at predetermined points of the travel pattern. Additional counts are to be made if areas of concern or interest are located outside the defined travel patterns.

6.3.1 Crops which have been completely swathed

Crops which have been completely swathed must have a Report of Seed Crop Inspection completed. The report must include the area or location(s) that have been swathed, isolation distances, land use and tag verification, percentage of the crop that was swathed, and where possible, information on the general weed condition, and any other additional information that can be provided. When inspecting swathed crops, inspectors should not complete sections on crops and weeds that are difficult to separate or objectionable.

6.3.2 Crops which have been partially swathed

If the crop has been partially swathed, approximate the acreage of the crop that has not been swathed and follow the procedures in reporting changes in area in section 7.7. Then complete the inspection on the remaining part of the crop that has not been swathed.

6.4 Conducting Crop Inspection

Conducting crop inspection involves the integrated systematic performance of three major tasks:

  • identification of crops;
  • crop impurity counts;
  • checking isolation distances.

When entering the crop, the inspector must confirm both the conformity of the crop with the official description of variety and the approximate area that will contain the plant population required for the count (Appendix III). A rough assessment of varietal purity can be made in lodged crops by lifting small portions of the crop and examining the heads very closely. For crops that are almost or completely lodged inspection may not be refused. The crop must be assessed and a Report of Seed Crop Inspection completed.

During the crop inspection, the inspector must observe and record the following:

  • the isolation strip widths and description of their condition;
  • overall condition of the crop (uniformity, general appearance, general weed condition, objectionable weeds, and presence of reportable disease(s));
  • localized infestations, contaminations (off-types or other varieties, or other crop kinds or weeds difficult-to-separate), and abnormal conditions present in the crop (for example, lodging, flooding, thin stand).

6.4.1 Identification of Crops

The inspector must confirm that the crop to be inspected conforms to the variety description. Some deviations from the description may result from environmental conditions and management practices for some traits, e.g., plant height.

The inspector must determine the general condition of the crop including the state of maturity, uniformity, the degree of lodging and environmental problems such as insects, hail or chemical damage. In addition, the inspector shall note the presence of reportable diseases, difficult to separate crops and weeds, objectionable weeds and their relative pressure (see Appendix VI).

The inspector must also note if the crop to be inspected is planted with a companion crop. If so, the inspector must note the crop and its stage of development.

Weather and light conditions may influence the appearance and presentation of the crop. Wind makes inspection difficult because it is hard to see the plant flowers and heads in their natural presentation. When possible, crops should be inspected with the inspector's back to the sun. This is important when inspecting flowering crops such as canola, as the flowers turn to face the sun. This will allow for easier identification of the flower traits.

6.4.2 Check Isolation

As the inspector approaches the field perimeter during crop inspection, s/he must identify neighbouring crops. For open-pollinated crops, the distance to the nearest field which contains the same species within the required isolation distance must be reported.

When an inspector encounters a crop that s/he suspects will be declined pedigreed status due to inadequate isolation, the inspector must provide the grower with a completed copy of the Official Verification of Isolation Corrective Action Notice found in Appendix X and note the provision of this notice on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection.

6.4.3 Identifying and Counting Crop Impurities

During crop inspection, the inspector may observe unusual plants, ones that will have different morphological or physical characteristics than the rest of the crop. It is important to be aware of ways in which the environment may affect the crop (temperature, moisture, wind, insect, disease, animal or chemical damage) and to consider these when determining the identity of a suspected deviant plant. Some morphological differences will be easily identified, such as fully awned wheat in an apically awned variety, or flower colour of peas. Some physical differences, however, will not be as easily identified, such as fertility in a composite canola, or days to maturity between similar varieties of the same species.

Variations between plants may be identified through character descriptions of plant parts in the flowering body (colour, shape, type, glume characteristics, presentation, seed body), plant architecture, or growth habit (attitude, environmental responses, life cycle, maturity). In some cases, the suspected deviant plant is considered part of the variety and is listed in the variety description as a known and expected variant. The inspector must refer to the variety description in order to better describe and classify suspected deviant plants.

The inspector must report the number of all plants that are "distinctly different from the norm of the variety" including other species. Distinctly different may include variants within the variety, off-types, similar species that can cross-pollinate, and weeds or other crop kinds whose seeds are difficult to separate (Appendices V and VI). These distinctly different plants should be described on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection in as much detail as practical. Where plants are described in reference to other varieties e.g., 'Glenlea type', the inspector must also describe the traits used in considering this plant to be a Glenlea type. Specifically, the inspector must indicate that the plant is awnletted with a head that tapers at both ends. This detail assists CSGA staff in appraising crop inspection reports.

When official inspectors find similar distinctly different or unusual plants in a number of crops of the same variety, they are requested to inform their supervisor of the following information:

  • the variety inspected;
  • the characteristics of the unusual plant(s);
  • the approximate % of the unusual plants;
  • the approximate % of crops in which the unusual plants were found.

The information must be forwarded to the Area Program Specialist. The information will alert the Seed Section to potential problems, and will assist the Variety Registration Office (in consultation with the breeder and the CSGA) in determining whether unusual plants are off-types or variants, and possible remedial actions (e.g., amending description of variety, tracing sources of off-type plants).

When fatuoids or false wild oats are noted in a crop of oats, they are to be counted and documented in the "Off-types or Other Varieties" section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection. When wild oats are present in oats, they are to be reported in counts as difficult-to-separate weeds. When wild oats are present in other cereal crops, they are to be reported as objectionable weeds. When fatuoids or false wild oats are found in other cereal crops, they are to be reported as "Other Crops Difficult to Separate."

In both eastern and western Canada, the presence of Tartarian buckwheat is to be reported as an objectionable weed in most cereal crops. When Tartarian buckwheat is found in a buckwheat crop, it is to be included in counts and reported in the "Off-types or Other Varieties" section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection.

For official crop inspectors, specimens of unusual plants requiring varietal identity confirmation should be sampled to preserve their quality (see Appendix VII : 'Recommended Procedures for Sampling Plants or Plant Parts for Laboratory Investigations') and forwarded along with the above information to: Seed Science Unit, Ottawa Plant Laboratory (Fallowfield), 3851 Fallowfield Rd., Building No. 210, Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8P9. The submission of these samples must be noted on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection.

6.4.3.1 Counts for Impurities

The inspector must use the following procedures when performing counts:

  • counts must always be taken;
  • the minimum number of counts per crop is six. Six counts should be taken for each objective, for example, for a crop containing two kinds of off-types, one kind of variant and one difficult to separate crop, twenty-four counts should be taken (6 x 4). However, the same six count areas can be used for the four different count objectives;
  • the inspector selects the count areas across the crop to give the best representative sample. The locations should be determined before entering the crop based on the pre-determined travel pattern. Counts should not be taken at the perimeter of the crop;
  • the count is based on 10,000 plants for Foundation, Registered and Certified crops of cereals and oilseeds (20,000 plants for plots of most species). Appendix III is used to assist in determining the area required to cover an adequate plant population. In some crop kinds, it is not practical to count 10,000 or 20,000 plants. Where the plant population density is low and/or difficult to identify (e.g., lodging, thin stands, or extreme contamination), counts will be done by area. For example, six counts of 10,000 plants would not be practical if there are only 10 plants per square metre. For most forage legumes and grasses, Circular 6 identifies the maximum impurity standards on area counts rather than population counts;
  • the count population or count area must be identified in the Report of Seed Crop Inspection and shall be based on the maximum impurity standards for the crop as given in Circular 6. When area is used, an estimate of the population in that area is needed for calculation of the impurity level for crops other than forages; for forages, an estimate of the population in that area is required when the stand is above or below average for the species;
  • in some exceptional cases, it may be necessary to reduce count size to closely examine off-types that are very difficult to observe in the crop. The procedures set out in Appendix VIII are used in those exceptional cases when the inspector can not do six counts of 10,000 plants each. In a small count area, the off-types can be seen more readily. The procedure is rarely required and does not apply to off-types that are readily observed, such as flower colour or extreme height differences. In those cases, six counts of 10,000 plants each must still be used. The reporting requirements for reduced counts are discussed in Section 7.6 and Appendix VIII;
  • any off-types observed out of the count area should be noted and must be recorded in the "Comments" section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection;
  • Appendix V provides the other crop kinds to be reported in counts of each species;
  • Appendix VI provides the weeds to be reported in counts and objectionable weeds to be reported by frequency for each inspected crop kind.

7.0 Report of Seed Crop Inspection

The Report of Seed Crop Inspection should be completed immediately after the inspection while referencing the inspector's rough notes, if taken during the inspection. This report (CFIA/ACIA 115) may only be used by official crop inspectors. Licensed crop inspectorsmust use a form approved by CFIA and CSGA which contains the same information as CFIA 1115.

If there is no preprinted form, the inspector must indicate the reason in the “Comments” section of the report. Four copies of the report are made and are to be distributed as follows: CSGA, Grower/Applicant, CFIA disctrict, and CFIA inspector.

If the inspector finds that there is limited space on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection to include all necessary information, CSGA recognized abbreviations may be used. Appendix IV provides a listing of these abbreviations.

The reports must be provided to the grower and CSGA as soon as possible. An inspector must not delay submission of the reports to allow for additional inspections. All reports must include the date of mailing or, if hand-delivered, delivery.

When a report describes a crop that has clearly not met the Circular 6 standards, the report should be faxed to CSGA as soon as possible. Prior to mailing the report to CSGA, the inspector must indicate on the hard copy that is was previously sent by facsimile.

If the inspector determines that the applicant whose name appears on the application and Report of Seed Crop Inspection is not responsible for the direct management of the crop, CSGA is to be advised in the Comments section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection.

The inspector must not destroy the original inspection record or rough notes. Rough notes must be legible, accessible, and in a format that can be used by a third party (normally the regional seed officer) to verify and support the completion of the report. Although the development of rough notes is not mandatory, they can be a valuable reference in many situations. Their use is highly recommended.

7.1 General Information

Abbreviated names of crop kinds, varieties, weeds or diseases are only acceptable if permitted by the CSGA, as per Appendix IV.

The acreage figure on the preprinted Report of Seed Crop Inspection may not be accurate. The inspector should identify obvious significant errors (+/- 10%). When changing the acreage on the preprinted form, this should be done by circling and striking through the acreage figure and writing in the “Comments” section the corrected acreage figure (Section 7.7). For partially swathed crops, the area that was swathed and not inspected must be reported, along with the information requested for swathed or partially swathed crops requested in Section 6.3.

The area of a Select plot is reported as metres x metres. If the plot is not exactly square or rectangular, or if it is a shape such as a triangle, the inspector must exercise caution to make a fair and accurate measurement of the area.

Estimated yield can be useful if an investigation takes place. The inspector must estimate yield as being average, above average or below average for crops that are inspected at or near the time of maturity. The inspector will use the crop conditions for that crop kind in the district as being the benchmark for average.

7.2 Pedigreed Status of Seed Planted (Tag or Crop Certificate Verification)

7.2.1 Determination of Pedigree Status

If the grower has used his/her own seed to plant the inspected crop, the inspector must review the crop certificate and note the crop certificate number on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection. If the seed was purchased, the inspector should verify that the preprinted Report of Seed Crop Inspection accurately providesthe crop certificate number(s) printed on the tag(s), the lot number(s) on the tag, the grade on the tag, and the number of tags respectively. If tags are not available for purchased seed, this should be indicated in the Tag section of the report (Section 11.5). Invoices or bulk pedigreed seed forms may be verified when pedigreed seed tags are not available. Where the preprinted information is not accurate, the inspector must provide correct information. It is the grower's responsibility to ensure that tags are available for verification.

When checking inter-agency tags, verification should be performed as above. However, the crop certificate number should be substituted with the pedigree reference number. For unregistered or foreign varieties, the full pedigree must be provided and a pedigreed seed tag or a copy attached to the Report of Seed Crop Inspection is required.

7.2.2 CSGA Documentation and Usage

CSGA's Regulations and Procedures for Production of Breeder Seed and Circular 6 provide information on tags and documents that are used in the inspection and certification of pedigreed seed.

7.2.2.1 CSGA Tags

The CSGA supplies tags for Select seed and Breeder seed. The Select grower must apply to the CSGA office for the tags before sale or transfer of Select seed. Breeder seed is identified by tags issued by the breeder or agent. Examples of CSGA and CFIA tags are presented in Circular 6.

7.3 Previous Land Use

The inspector must record the previous land use prior to inspection. Reference should be made to Circular 6 for the number of years of history required (varies with crop and status). For perennial crops, this section is required to be completed only in the first year of inspection.

The inspector should provide pedigree numbers of previous crops when possible. It is acceptable to use the first two and last three digits of the Crop Certificate number (e.g., 09-111) when the crop certificate belongs to the applicant.

Where the inspector notes through examination of previous crop stubble that the previous crop differs from what it is indicated on the application form, and the previous crop appears to be the identical species to what is currently being inspected, the inspector should note this observation in the "Comments" section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection.

7.4 Isolation

The condition of the isolation strip (not the distance) is reported as "good" if it is mowed sod, clean summer fallow, or mowed grain that has been completely removed. "Fair" applies when some measure of isolation preparation has been attempted. It is reported as "poor" if there are weeds or numerous crop plants that may be difficult to separate from, or cross pollinate with, the inspected crop. It is important to communicate what is beyond the isolation strip.

Note: When the isolation condition is rated as "poor", the inspector must state the reason for this rating in the "Comments" section:

  • the distance and condition of isolation strips must be reported with care as crops may be declined pedigree status when reports indicate less isolation distance then the minimum required;
  • complete information on adjacent crops should be given, such as kind, variety and pedigree, when possible. Where applicable, the sequence number of adjacent crops should also be recorded. For example, in the case of canola sown with Foundation seed, an isolation of 3 metres is allowed from a crop planted with Certified seed of the same variety, provided it can be established that the crop was planted Certified seed of that variety;
  • in the case of open-pollinated crops, if the contaminating plants are found outside of the inspected crop area, the inspector should state in the space provided under "Open-Pollinated Crops" the approximate number of contaminating plants found per inspected area, the distance these are from the crop, the maturity of the contaminating plants in relation to the maturity of the crop being inspected and the manner in which the isolation has been prepared such as mowed, etc. (e.g., "common timothy, 100 plants, 25 metres to north, mowed for hay, late June, no blossom");
  • the inspector should refer to Circular 6 for detail on border removal in lieu of isolation distance for some crop kinds.

7.5 Condition of Crop

7.5.1 Weeds

When describing the "General Weed Condition", one of the following frequency terms should be used. These terms are also used in reporting prohibited noxious and objectionable weeds:

  • "clean" means free from weeds;
  • "trace" (<5/100 sq.m) is to be used when weeds are hardly present in the crop;
  • "few" (5-20/100 sq.m) is to be used when weeds are found throughout the crop;
  • "numerous" (20-100/100 sq.m) is to be used when weeds are found throughout the crop and the weed condition is interfering with crop inspection and/or it is reasonable to assume the weeds will present difficulty in processing;
  • "very weedy" is to be used when weeds cover the crop and do not permit proper inspection of the crop. This condition usually is cause for CSGA decline of pedigreed status. In some cases, >100 weeds per 100 sq.m. will mean that proper inspection of the crop cannot be conducted.

"Very Weedy" indicates that the weed condition is compromising the varietal and/or mechanical purity of the crop. When weeds occur as "Very Weedy" in distinct patches, the inspector must record the frequency, approximate size, and location of the patches in the appropriate section of the report e.g., "couchgrass V.W., one patch, 30 m x 6 m, NW corner".

Objectionable Weeds - Weeds classified as Class 1 Prohibited Noxious under the Weed Seeds Order must be reported by frequency rating (e.g., trace, numerous). The inspector must also report objectionable weeds appropriate to the crop kind being inspected, (Appendix VI). The inspector must record their presence by name and frequency of appearance e.g., couchgrass (T). It is important to indicate when the weeds present can not reasonably be expected to mature and set seed before harvest. Inspectors must not report weeds or diseases for which reporting is not required by this QSP 142.1 or the crop specific work instruction (SWI), except as provided by Section 11.6 and as follows. Information on weeds and crops for which reporting is not required may be provided in the "Comments" section only when the population is high and the weeds/other crops are competing with the inspected crop, making inspection difficult.

When an inspector is inspecting a pedigreed seed crop planted with imported seed, the inspector must be alert for weeds that are not normally found in the region. If these weeds are found, they must be noted in the "Comments" section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection. If the inspector is unable to identify these weeds, a sample should be sent for identification to the Genotyping/Botany Unit of the Ottawa Plant Laboratory (Fallowfield).

7.5.2 Diseases

Visual symptoms of seed borne diseases, such as loose smut in barley and anthracnose and common bacterial blight in field beans, must be described. The location of the disease in the field and the approximate area (percent) of the seed field diseased. If the inspector requires confirmation that the visual symptoms observed are those of the diseases listed above, the inspector may sample infected plant parts and submit them to the Seed Borne Disease Unit of the Canadian Plant Quarantine Pest Laboratory, ADRI-CPQP, Floor 2 3851 Fallowfield Rd, PO Box 11300, Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8P9. If the inspector submits samples for verification, s/he must:

  • note this in the "Comments" section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection;
  • identify the sample with the year, CSGA crop sequence number, and if possible, the grower number;
  • communicate the results of the test to CSGA when they are received.

The inspector must refer to Appendix XII for further instruction on disease sample submission.

7.6 Comments

When the condition of the isolation strip is poor and/or the general weed condition is very weedy, and/or a change is made to acreage, the inspector should provide an explanatory statement in the "Comments" section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection.

In those exceptional circumstances where reduced counts are used, this must clearly be highlighted along with an explanation of why the reduced count procedure in Appendix VIII was used. The inspector should indicate crop plant density in the Comments section of the report, particularly when dealing with reduced counts, e.g., "crop density 60 plants per sq. m." When reduced count sizes are used, the inspector must immediately provide the grower, the CSGA, and the lead inspector or inspection supervisor with a copy of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection.

Issues or conditions not noted elsewhere within the report should be included in the "Comments" section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection. It may be useful to provide clarification in order to provide a complete description of the crop. Inspectors should avoid using the back of the report form for additional information, as the information may not transfer to all copies and use of the reverse side may render the form illegible. However, the inspector may use the reverse side of a blank form and attach it to the Report of Crop Inspection if all copies are legible.

The following may also be reported in the "Comments" section:

  • lodged crops are difficult to inspect. The inspector should estimate the extent of lodging and record it, e.g., 'Difficult to inspect, completely lodged', '50% lodged', etc;
  • inspectors should report off-types and other varietal impurities found outside of counts;
  • where a portion of the crop was not inspected because it was swathed, this must be clearly identified;
  • information on hail, insect, or pesticide damage only needs to be reported when its occurrence interferes with crop inspection. Its occurrence should be noted in the “Comments” section with an estimate of the proportion of the crop that is affected;
  • when a grower accompanies an inspector during the inspection and commences any roguing activities during the crop inspection, the following procedures should be used for reporting. Where the roguing activities are random during the crop inspection, the presence of the rogued impurities should be noted in the "Comments" section but not included in the counts. Where the roguing activities occur only in the specific areas being used by the inspector for official counts, the rogued impurities must be reported in counts;
  • if the inspector has taken samples of unusual plants for assessment by the Seed Science Unit, this must be reported;
  • if the inspected crop is seeded with a companion crop, the inspector must indicate the companion crop and its stage of development.

7.7 Changes in Acres Inspected

In the case of cancellation of a crop prior to inspection, the preprinted Report of Seed Crop Inspection should be marked "cancelled" and signed by the grower and inspector and the cancelled report distributed as usual. Pedigreed seed crops that are swathed or harvested prior to inspection but not previously cancelled are to be reported as indicated in Section 6.3.

If the actual crop area differs from the area figure on the preprinted Report of Seed Crop Inspection, it must be corrected on the report by crossing out the preprinted figure, and the actual area inserted and circled. In the "Comments" section, the number of hectares subtracted or added must be recorded with the grower's confirmation by signing the report.

Where a new crop is added to an existing application, the inspector should complete a blank Report of Seed Crop Inspection and have the grower confirm the changes by signing it. At a later date, the seed grower will be billed by CSGA for the additional crop acreage inspected.

When the area indicated on a preprinted Report of Seed Crop Inspection is divided and two or more reports are prepared, the sequence number will be used on one report only. Additional reports will be prepared from blank Report of Seed Crop Inspection forms, without sequence number. The inspector should record in the "Comments" section the reason for the additional report, making reference to the original Report of Seed Crop Inspection sequence and field number.

7.8 Grower/Applicant Copy of Report of Seed Crop Inspection and Re-Inspection

A copy of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection must be provided to the applicant as soon as possible following the inspection. If the applicant is not home, a copy of the report may be left at the house, or mailed to the applicant immediately following the inspection. When Reports of Seed Crop Inspection are mailed to growers, the inspector must communicate with the grower by telephone immediately following the inspection to indicate that the crop inspection has been completed, and to communicate any observations made during the inspection that may cause CSGA to decline the crop or that may require remedial action on the part of the grower in order to obtain a crop certificate. Some crops require more than one inspection, such as field beans. The inspector must retain the Report of Seed Crop Inspection until the second inspection is completed. If items of concern are noted during the first inspection, the inspector must ensure that the CSGA is made aware of this by faxing the Report of Seed Crop Inspection immediately following the first inspection. In addition, the grower must be informed verbally of inspection results, particularly if corrective action is required.

When CSGA requires verification of a corrective action and the grower requires a reinspection, the grower should contact the regional inspection supervisor to establish if and when a reinspection is to be provided by the CFIA and to determine the cost of inspection. The inspector should not offer to reinspect the crop, or grant reinspections at the request of the grower. Reinspection of a crop may be done only when the inspector is instructed to do so by the inspector's supervisor. When an inspector conducts a reinspection of a crop, the inspector must complete a new Report of Seed Crop Inspection and write "Reinspection" across the top of the form. This is to ensure that the condition of the crop at the time of reinspection is clearly communicated to the CSGA and the grower.

Requests for Reports of Seed Crop Inspection from persons other than the applicant must be referred to the CSGA.

Where an inspector notes conditions that may not be in compliance with the CSGA regulations for the crop in question, s/he should highlight the information on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection by circling it, in order to draw the information to the attention of the CSGA appraiser. In addition, when this occurs, the inspector should encourage the grower to contact the CSGA and, wherever possible, the inspector should fax the Report of Seed Crop Inspection to the CSGA. When the inspector sends a report by facsimile, prior to mailing the hard copy to CSGA, he must indicate at the top of the report that it was previously faxed to the CSGA.

When the inspector suspects that the isolation distance is insufficient to meet CSGA requirements, the inspector should supply the grower with an Official Verification of Isolation Corrective Action Notice (Appendix X). The inspector must note that the Notice was given to the grower in the "Comments" section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection. Inspectors must not anticipate CSGA decisions based on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection.

7.9 Documentation and Information

Reports of Seed Crop Inspection and any accompanying rough notes must be retained in the inspection office for a period of two years. Following that time, documents are to be retained for ten years in the same manner and for the same duration as other official records of the Agency. During the initial two year period, the Report of Seed Crop Inspection and accompanying rough notes may need to be available to address appeals made to the CSGA Appeals Committee. The inspector or, in the case of former inspectors, the inspection supervisor is required to provide timely verbal information to the Seed Section representative to the Appeals Committee using the Report of Seed Crop Inspection and any rough notes as source material.

8.0 Inspection of Probation, Foundation and Select Plots

Tags or crop certificates must be verified by the inspector.

The inspector must measure the plot dimension in meters then indicate the plot area and dimensions on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection. One plot must not exceed 2.5 acres. If the plot size does exceed 2.5 acres, the inspector must write "plot exceeds 2.5 acres" in the "Comments" section of the Report of Seed Crop Inspection. The measurements are to be taken using a measuring wheel or other reliable device.

The inspector shall examine the entire plot for crop condition, i.e., uniformity of stand, general appearance and general weed condition. A minimum of six impurity counts (20,000 plants each) are based on the Circular 6 standard for the crop inspected for most crops. For industrial hemp plots, six counts of 10,000 plants are to be performed. For sunflower plots, six counts of 200 plants are to be performed. The inspector may refer to the guide in Appendix III for estimating count areas. Emphasis should be given to the accuracy of impurity identification and quantification within the count areas rather than the occurrence of impurities outside the count areas.

Where the entire plot contains less the 120,000 plants, the inspector must estimate the total population size and conduct as many counts as possible on the 20000 plant count areas. For the remaining count area, the inspector will estimate and report the number of plants in the small count area, and perform the count on this smaller area.

Where the entire plot size provides less that 20,000 plants in total, the inspector must estimate and report the total number of plants in the plot and treat the area as one plant count area.

Staking of Plots

Some Probation and Select plots can be isolated by staking the plot in lieu of the standard isolation requirement, when adjacent plots or plots within a Foundation status crop are of the same variety. It is the grower's responsibility to ensure that the stakes are present prior to crop inspection and that they are visible above the crop canopy.

The inspector must note on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection, that the plot perimeter is staked and report impurities within the isolation distance normally required for pedigreed crops of the same variety for the species in question, e.g., 3 m for barley. The staked plot must be inspected and reported on, even if the inspector has reason to believe that the crop in which the plot is staked may not meet CSGA's pedigreed seed crop standards.

9.0 Inspection of Varieties not Registered in Canada

When a crop inspection application is received by the CSGA for a variety not registered in Canada, the following points must be taken before the crop is inspected.

  • Crop inspection should not take place unless the inspector has a variety description for the variety being inspected. If the variety description is not readily available through the Variety Registration Office, it is the responsibility of the grower/contractor to make it available in one of Canada's two official languages.
  • If it is not at all possible to obtain the description of variety, the inspector should advise the grower/contractor that the crop could be declined pedigreed status. The inspector may perform the inspection providing that it is noted on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection that no variety description was available.
  • If the variety is of a crop kind for which variety registration is not required, e.g., forage oats and hybrid corn, the inspector must contact the CSGA for a variety description as this variety would be accepted into certification through their Form 300 process.

10.0 Other Inspections

10.1 Referee Inspections

If the classification or identification of off-type plants is challenged by the grower, the grower may request that a referee inspection be performed. Referee inspections are not conducted if the quantification of off-types is challenged by the grower or if the crop has been altered following the first inspection. This should be verified with the grower prior to the inspection.

Referee inspections must be scheduled and performed as high priority tasks by a crop inspector other than the original inspector. The referee inspector should always discuss the first inspection results with the original inspector and, where possible, the original inspector should accompany the referee inspector.

If no change is required to the original Report of Seed Crop Inspection, the grower is responsible for any charges incurred as a result of the second inspection. If a change is required to the original Report of Seed Crop Inspection, the new Report of Seed Crop Inspection should be provided to the grower immediately and sent to the CSGA by facsimile. When mailing the new Report of Seed Crop Inspection to the CSGA, the inspector must indicate at the top of the report that it was previously sent by facsimile. The Area Program Specialist should be informed of the request for referee inspection and the outcome.

10.2 Land Use Inspection

Land use inspections are required on crops not being inspected for pedigreed status in order to determine the suitability of the land for a pedigreed crop in the following year. They may be conducted in standing crops or fallow fields. They are generally conducted later in the season when volunteers are fully emerged and easily identified but before a standing crop is harvested. It is the inspector's responsibility to report any contamination which may pose a varietal purity problem in the following pedigreed crop.

The following information is required on the Report of Seed Crop Inspection:

  • variety of seed used, and/or crop kind inspected;
  • crop certificate number if pedigreed seed is used;
  • acreage;
  • land location;
  • land use in year before seeding;
  • only prohibited noxious species of weeds are to be noted;
  • other crop kinds present are to be reported in six counts of 10,000 plants;
  • the yield, isolation and crop condition areas/sections of the report are to remain blank;
  • the planting intentions for the next year are to be indicated in the "Comments" section;
  • indicate if the inspection required a special visit (i.e., was not in combination with any other field inspection) for billing purposes.

The fees for the land use inspections are the same as seed crop inspection as per the CFIA Fees Notice, Part 14.

Land use inspections are lower priority and should not be conducted if the inspection will jeopardize the performance of higher priority inspections.

10.3 OECD Crop Inspection

Crops being certified under the OECD Seed Schemes are to be inspected according to Circular 6, QSP 142.1, the crop specific SWIs, and additional requirements of the Seed Schemes.

The following additional requirements are necessary for inspection of crops pedigreed under the OECD Seed Schemes:

10.3.1 Forage legume production

  • previous land use is a minimum of three years to produce Certified status seed
  • the isolation requirement for crops to produce Certified status seed is 100 m for crops of two hectares or less.

10.3.2 Hybrid Corn Production

  • if multiplied under the OECD Seed Schemes, the owner of the variety or the firm undertaking the multiplication is to advise Seed Section and the local CFIA office;
  • this notification must be provided when a Canadian parental line or hybrid is to be multiplied in Canada or in another country;
  • in accordance with the Maize and Sorghum Seed Scheme, descriptions of pollen parents and seed parents are to be provided to CSGA and the local CFIA office by the owner. It is necessary to provide the OECD reference number (or alternate designation) of the seed and pollen parents as well to CSGA and the local CFIA office. Crop inspection will include a verification that the parent plants are true to the description provided.

10.3.3 Canola Production

  • previous land use is a minimum of five years to produce pedigreed canola seed under the OECD Seed Schemes;
  • the isolation distances for traditional Brassica napus are 200 m for the production of Basic seed and 100 m for the production of Certified seed;
  • the isolation distances for hybrid Brassica napus are 500 m for the production of Basic seed of the parental lines and 300 m for the production of Certified seed. If, however, the source of the contaminating pollen is a crop with the same pollen parent, a minimum isolation distance is 3 m, provided the pedigree of that crop is provided to the CFIA.

10.3.4 Cereal Production

  • previous land use is a minimum of two years interval between cereal crops of the same species to produce Basic and Certified status seed.
  • for mainly cross-pollinating triticale varieties, an isolation distance of 300 m to produce Basic seed and 250 m to produce Certified seed is required from other rye and triticale crops. For self-pollinating triticale varieties, an isolation distance of 50 m to produce Basic seed and 20 m to produce Certified seed is required from other triticale crops.

10.3.5 Sunflower and Safflower Production

  • previous land use is a minimum of two years between seed crops of the same species to produce Basic and Certified seed.
  • for hybrid sunflower production the isolation distance is 1,500 m to produce Basic seed.

10.4 Recertification and Reinstatement of Crops

Inspectors will occasionally receive applications for inspection of crops planted with Certified seed. It is possible that the crop may be considered for recertification or reinstatement as described below. However, it is possible that the grower may not understand the rules relating to pedigreed seed crop production.

When the inspector receives an application for inspection of a crop planted with Certified seed, the inspector must make every effort to contact the grower. The inspector must attempt to:

  • determine the grower's intentions with respect to the harvested crop;
  • communicate that crops planted with Certified seed are not normally eligible for further certification;
  • allow the grower the opportunity to cancel the inspection.

Inspection of crops for purposes other than pedigreed seed production purposes are considered "Additional Inspection Requirements". Where the request is received from CSGA in the form of an application for crop inspection, the CSGA will arrange for the invoicing of the grower. While inspection of these crops should be accommodated wherever practical, the inspection of these crops must not jeopardize the timely inspection of crops for pedigreed seed crop production.

10.4.1 Recertification of Crops

Under AOSCA standards, the number of generations through which seed may be multiplied may not exceed two generations beyond the Foundation seed class except where an emergency is declared by the certifying agency stating that the Foundation and Registered seed supplies are not adequate to plant the required Certified acreage. The production of an additional generation of the Certified class only may be permitted on a one-year basis. Recertification may also be performed for export purposes under the OECD Seed Schemes. The application of this procedure in Canada is subject to CSGA approval and policy. In both circumstances, these inspections are considered lower priority and are subject to the availability of inspection resources.

Inspectors may determine if a crop is being recertified, when the tenth digit of the crop certificate of the seed planted is 4, indicating that the seed is of Certified status. The inspector should verify that CSGA has approved recertification. If the tenth digit of the crop certificate is 8, this indicates that this Certified seed has been produced using Certified seed. This seed is not eligible for recertification.

Because recertification decisions may not be made until after the crop is planted, it is possible that pedigreed seed tags may no longer be available. In this case, the purchase order or sales invoice may be used to verify the pedigreed status of the seed. Similarly, if the original planting intention for the crop was commodity production, previous land use and isolation may not meet CSGA standards.

The inspector may encounter communication challenges as decisions to have crops recertified may not have been made until after planting has occurred, and growers may not be familiar with pedigreed crop production requirements. Recertified crops are to be inspected according to standard procedures for pedigreed seed crop inspection.

10.4.2 Inspection of Crops Planted with Re-instated Seed

Re-instatement occurs when demoted seed already sown may be re-instated to its original or intermediate status. For example, Foundation seed demoted to Certified status could be sown as Certified and inspected as a crop sown with Foundation or Registered seed.

Inspectors may determine if a crop has re-instated by noting the tenth digit of the crop certificate as R, whereby the crop has been demoted to Registered status, or C, where the crop has been demoted to Certified status. If this is noticed, contact the CSGA to clarify if re-instatement of the crop was granted. If there is a possibility of re-instatement of the status, the inspector must report the seed crop inspection in a manner that will allow CSGA to assess the crop to the highest possible status.

10.5 Official Verification of Isolation Corrective Action

Should a grower's crop be declined pedigreed status due to their failure to demonstrate adequate isolation distances at the time of inspection, the grower may request an additional inspection to verify corrective actions. Growers who have been informed of this deficiency in advance of harvest may request a reinspection of the crop prior to harvest. This activity is given second priority to the completion of all pedigreed seed crop inspections and is coordinated, whenever possible, with a seed crop inspection.

For those crop kinds to which Sections 2, 3 and 12 of Circular 6 apply, official verification of isolation corrective actions would require the inspector to return to the field after harvest and observe that the required isolation distance was not harvested from the field and remained standing. These reinspections would be conducted as permitted by resources and weather, and are subject to the fees for reinspection as per the CFIA Fees Notice Part 14. The determination of resource availability is made by the supervisor in consultation with the inspector. Where resources are not available, it is the responsibility of the supervisor to contact the CSGA to communicate the need for alternative arrangements. The results of reinspections are reported on a Report of Seed Crop Inspection with a clear indication that this is a reinspection.

11.0 Other Issues

11.1 Industrial Hemp

When pedigreed industrial hemp seed is produced, three separate inspections are required. Due to high seeding rates and narrow rows, inspectors often cannot penetrate hemp crops far enough to make 6 counts of 10,000 plants. As a result, inspectors must submit the 3-Visit Count Sheet found in SWIs 142.1.2-7 Special or New Crop Inspection Procedures, as well as the Report of Industrial Hemp Seed Crop Inspection. This permits more numerous counts of lower plant populations to be taken.

In addition to CSGA's inspection, Health Canada will request inspections of various industrial hemp crops each year. These two inspection activities may be conducted at the same time depending on the stage of crop. Separate inspection reports for the purpose of inspecting and sampling for Health Canada can be obtained from the Seed Design and Delivery Unit of the Seed Section. Inspectors conducting inspections on behalf of Health Canada must be designated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

11.2 Suspicious Cannabis Crops

If, during the course of pedigreed seed crop inspection of industrial hemp or any other crop, the inspector encounters a crop or plants that s/he suspects are not included on the List of Approved Cultivars for the current growing season, Seed Section or the Industrial Hemp Section of Health Canada's Office of Controlled Substances should be notified. Similarly, the same contacts must be used if the inspector encounters an industrial hemp crop that s/he suspects has not been licensed for cultivation. Inspectors are not responsible for enforcing the Industrial Hemp Regulations, nor should any recommendations be made to the grower.

11.3 Emerging Trends

Where repeated problems are noted with a specific variety, the inspector must communicate these to their supervisor. It is important that the Area Program Specialist be made aware of these situations. The Seed Section will be notified and communications with the CSGA and plant breeder as required will commence to decide on follow up as necessary.

11.4 Very Early or Late Inspection

A grower may request very early or late crop inspection. Similar to cancellation requests, requests for very early or late inspections require a record of authorization by the grower. The grower's intent to have the inspection carried out on a particular date must be clearly indicated in a phone record or by signing the Report of Seed Crop Inspection.

Inspection reports should include detailed descriptions of:

  • any factor(s) affecting the inspector's ability to assess the varietal purity, such as stage of growth or crop damage;
  • abnormal disease, quality or yield levels.

At the time of the request for early or late inspection, the grower should be reminded that the Circular 6 states, "crops not inspected at the proper stage of growth for determining varietal purity may be cause for declining pedigreed status".

11.5 Seed Tags

Where seed was purchased in bags and where the tags were not attached to the bags or where the tag does not conform to the requirements of the Seeds Regulations or where an inappropriate lot number is used, the official inspector must provide this information to the inspection supervisor so that appropriate compliance and enforcement action may be taken with respect to the seller of the seed. Licensed inspectors must report questionable tags to the local CFIA office.

11.6 Additional Inspection/Reporting Requirements

The CFIA may enter into written agreements with individuals or organizations for the reporting of crop information in addition to what is required to be reported as per this QSP and related SWIs.

Such agreements are subject to full cost recovery, appropriate liability and training provisions and Access to Information and Privacy legislation.

11.7 Additional Applications

If, upon arriving at a location at which crop inspection is to be conducted, the inspector is presented with additional applications for inspection by the grower, the following procedures must be followed:

  • the inspector must determine the type and priority of the inspection and the appropriate time of inspection;
  • if the application pertains to a high priority inspection (i.e., pedigreed seed crop inspection as opposed to land use) and the crop is at the correct stage for inspection and the inspector can reasonably accommodate the inspection without jeopardizing the timely performance of other high priority inspections, the inspection may be performed at that time;
  • if the inspection cannot be reasonably performed at that time, the inspector should accept the application and consult with the inspection supervisor as soon as it is practical.

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