Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Science Branch
Laboratories Directorate
Seeds
Biologists and analysts in the CFIA’s two seed laboratories
provide scientific advice and analytical testing for seed germination,
viability, mechanical purity, varietal purity, seed borne diseases and for the
seeds of weeds of quarantine significance. The service is provided to the
Agency's seed monitoring and enforcement program and for the issuance of
International Seed Lot Certificates for seed exports by the seed industry.
CFIA’s seed
laboratories provide technical audit and proficiency testing services to the
Canadian Seed Institute for the accreditation of private seed testing
laboratories. They also provide training and certification for CFIA analysts and inspectors, and
(in conjunction with the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada ) for
private sector seed analysts and graders.
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CFIA
Laboratory - Ottawa, Ontario
(Central Seed Laboratory)
The Central Seed Laboratory provides central direction and control to
CFIA’s seed
testing programs and maintains the Canadian Methods and Procedures for Seed
Testing (the official methods for grading seed according to the Seeds
Regulations of Canada). This laboratory is Canada’s designated voting
member in the International Seed Testing Association. Laboratory analysts
provide scientific advice and testing services for seed-borne diseases as well
as for purity and germination, and they provide and evaluate proficiency
testing panels for accredited private seeds laboratories.
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CFIA
Laboratory - Downey Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(Seed Science &Technology Section)
The Western Seed Laboratory provides testing services for seed purity,
germination, and varietal purity. It also tests for smut of barley and for
seeds of quarantine significance to the CFIA’s Western Area and the
seed industry in Western Canada. This laboratory is also responsible for the
national evaluation and certification of seed graders in registered seed
establishments.
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