Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Science Branch
Laboratories Directorate Seed Laboratories
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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Ontario Plant Laboratories (OPL) - Seed Science Laboratory
Ottawa, Ontario The OPL - Seed Science Laboratory in Ottawa provides cultivar
verification field and laboratory testing. Seed borne disease testing (except true loose
smut of cereals) is carried out by the OPL - Phytopathology Laboratory, which also
provides and evaluates proficiency panels for testing of true loose smut of cereals for
accredited private seed laboratories. Seed science research is conducted by the OPL -
Molecular Identification Research Laboratory to develop advanced diagnostic methods for
cultivar verification and detection of adventitious presence.
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Saskatoon Laboratory, Seed Science & Technology Section
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan The Seed Science & Technology Section (SSTS) in Saskatoon
provides all CFIA testing services for seed purity and germination, seed pathology testing
of cereals for true loose smut and bioassay testing for trait purity and adventitious
presence. The method development related to these tests is also conducted at SSTS. The
National Seed Herbarium is now located in Saskatoon at the SSTS. This laboratory is also
responsible for the national evaluation and certification of seed graders in registered
seed establishments, and maintains the Canadian Methods and Procedures for Seed Testing
(official methods for grading seed according to the Seeds Regulations of Canada).
Laboratory analysts also provide and evaluate proficiency testing panels for accredited
private seed laboratories. |
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