Plants > Seeds > Inspection Procedures  

Workshop on Varietal Purity and Identity

Proceedings Report

Table of Contents

1.0 Executive Summary

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) held a Consultation Workshop on Varietal Purity and Identity on February 3, 2005, in Ottawa. The workshop was an important component of the CFIA’s ongoing consultation process on the application of varietal purity standards in a regulatory and non-regulatory context.

The purpose of the workshop was to bring together domestic and international experts to share and exchange information on the evolution of varietal purity and identity issues, technologies and production procedures. As well, the workshop served to build understanding amongst Canadian stakeholders.

Workshop participants included approximately 50 stakeholders from across Canada as well as representatives from the American Seed Trade Association, the United States Department of Agriculture, Mexico, the UK and the International Seed Federation.

Keynote speakers provided context for the workshop. Following the presentations, participants discussed varietal purity and identity issues in small table groups. Key points from the group discussions were shared in plenary.

Topics included:

• What is a variety?
• What are the limits to variability of a variety?
• What is an appropriate manner to apply varietal purity standards?
• What is the purpose of seed certification?
• Does the traditional seed certification system meet the needs of stakeholders throughout the value chain?
• What are the implications for seed certification of different definitions of "variety"?
• What should be the core elements of a Canadian policy on the application of variety purity standards in a regulatory and non-regulatory context?

Stakeholder input in policy development is an ongoing commitment of CFIA, and the issues raised and comments from stakeholders at this workshop will be considered as the government reviews the policies and procedures relating to varietal purity and identity.

2.0 Opening Remarks

Glyn Chancey, Plant Production Division
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Glyn Chancey, Director, Plant Production Division, welcomed participants to the workshop and noted that there was a broad representation of Canadian government and private sector stakeholders, as well as international representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Mexico.

He outlined the key objectives of the workshop and the context for discussion. The purpose of the workshop was to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to come together for an open discussion and exchange of ideas, perspectives, and concerns on varietal purity and identity, in order to achieve a better collective understanding of the key issues. CFIA will consider this information to confirm, adjust and develop its policies and procedures to ensure that Canada’s seed regulatory framework meets the current and emerging needs of a diverse range of interests. CFIA has embarked on an unprecedented effort to strengthen its domestic consultative processes. The consultation process for Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) amendments has begun, the process for variety registration is about to begin and the even broader discussion on the elements of a "smart" regulatory framework is in its formative stages.

Mr. Chancey provided an overview of some of the history and issues related to varietal purity and identity. "Varieties" have only existed for about a hundred years. Through the 20^th century, seed certification and intellectual property protection regimes for plant varieties were established. Over the past 20 years, scientific developments and large private sector investments have combined with increased intellectual property protection to create a huge increase in the number of plant varieties available worldwide. More recently, developments in biotechnology have raised questions about how varieties are defined in various contexts, and other issues surrounding the concepts of varietal purity and identity.

With new varieties of agricultural crops demonstrating an increasing range of specific end use quality attributes, the potential for extracting price premiums from specialized market segments is increasing. At the same time, other market segments demand increased quality assurances but do not provide a price premium.

There are a number of fundamental questions about varietal identity and the application of seed varietal purity standards in a regulatory and international trade context, for example:

• What are the appropriate roles of government and industry in seed quality assurance in the 21^st century?
• What is the role for mandatory versus voluntary standards and where is each best applied?
• What is the appropriate balance between pre-market verification of standards and post-marketing surveillance?

In closing, Mr. Chancey noted that some of the issues and challenges that will be raised at the workshop may have short term solutions while others may not be as easily resolved and may require further investigation and discussion. What is most important is that a productive dialogue in support of constructive change is underway.

3.0 Discussion Document - Towards an Improved Understanding of Varietal Purity of Seed

Michael Scheffel, Seed Section, CFIA

3.1 Introduction

The identity and varietal purity of seed are essential components of a modern, efficient and effective agricultural production system. Key aspects of a varietal purity quality assurance program are 1) defining "variety" and associated standards for varietal purity; 2) recognition of new varieties, including objective descriptions; 3) production/certification systems with associated procedures and sampling, testing and labelling components; and 4) checks on the system.

A proliferation of varieties in recent years, resulting from greater investment in plant breeding by the private sector and opportunities presented by techniques of modern biotechnology, means that varieties are no longer as easily distinguished from one another as had been the case previously. This calls into question procedures that have been used to develop and maintain varieties and to certify seed of some varieties. Furthermore, the introduction of genetically modified (GM) varieties and their lack of acceptance in certain markets as well as non-GM novel trait (NT) varieties, means that the identity and varietal purity of seed are more important than ever before. The advent of molecular farming only increases this importance.

Internationally agreed-upon definitions, procedures and standards are required to realize the benefits of variety development and to facilitate national and international trade in seed. The OECD Seed Schemes have provided such a framework for over 40 years. It is appropriate, in light of recent seed technology developments, that the common understanding of the principles of seed quality assurance be reviewed to ensure that they are still valid.

3.2 What is a variety?

The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) Convention (Article 1(vi)) defines plant variety as

• "A plant grouping within a single botanical taxon of the lowest known rank, which grouping, irrespective of whether the conditions for grant of a breeder’s right are fully met can be
  • defined by the expression of characteristics resulting from a given genotype or combination of genotypes,
  • distinguished from any other plant grouping by the expression of at least one of the said characteristics and
  • considered as a unit with regard to its suitability for being propagated unchanged;"

In summary, varieties of plants can be granted protection if they are

• new
• distinct
• uniform and
• stable

Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the UPOV Convention discuss the distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) criteria in some detail as do various technical guidelines.

Other definitions of "variety" exist but are generally similar in so far as they specify a requirement for distinguishing characteristics or traits and relative uniformity and stability (variability should be describable and predictable). Differences in the genetic constitution without consequential differences in the expression of characteristics (morphological, physiological, cytological, chemical or other trait) do not, therefore, constitute a varietal difference. If this is so, then the presence of a genetic modification without consequential expression of a specific trait should not be considered to be a varietal difference.

Most countries have some form of official recognition of varieties, whether for intellectual property protection, market place surveillance or seed certification purposes. While different in practice, the objective of this recognition is to establish a valid, legal basis for the exclusive use of the variety name and parameters for the certification and/or sale of seed of the variety.

3.3 Varietal Purity

In addition to a generally accepted definition of the term "variety", standards for varietal purity are also required to facilitate trade in seed, although some countries still allow seed of uncertain origin and non-certified seed to be imported and/or sold. Standards, however, are not just numbers; varietal purity standards for seed require methods and procedures for production, sampling, testing, reporting results, interpreting results and associated tolerances to account for the inherent variability of biological systems.

Few varieties that are entered into seed certification can be characterized as being composed of plants that are genetically identical. It is safe to assume that most varieties in seed certification today have somewhat variable genetics (combination of closely related genotypes). However, seed certification is, for the most part, based on phenotypic, usually visually distinguishable, characteristics. Varieties that are visually indistinguishable but that have significant phenotypic trait differences have been developed, recognized and certified. Examples include herbicide tolerant canolas and insect resistant potatoes.

The terms "varietal purity" and "genetic purity" were once synonyms and are sometimes still used as such but there may be reasons to clearly differentiate between the two. Varietal purity is perhaps best described as relative phenotypic uniformity whereas genetic purity relates specifically to the DNA and RNA of plants. Again, while plant breeding, seed certification and definitions of varietal purity have, in the past, relied heavily upon visually distinguishable traits, genotype by environment interactions give rise to a wide range of attributes that may or may not be visual. Thus, primary proteins (being the product of genes) and secondary proteins and other metabolites are valid distinguishing phenotypic characteristics of varieties. In the absence of visually distinguishable morphological characteristics, biochemical tests to ascertain varietal traits have, therefore, been integrated components of seed certification for some crop kinds and/or varieties.

In any case, it is important that there is common understanding of the standard for measurement and the application of varietal purity standards to Certified seed. Under the OECD Seed Schemes "varietal purity standards apply to all seed producing fields and shall be checked at field inspection". Questions arise, however, as to whether these same standards should apply in post-control or whether a more generous standard should be allowed? And, should biochemical test results be applied in the same manner? Some countries are on the verge of developing true genetic purity standards and some customers require that specific genes be absent. This is new territory for variety verification systems.

3.4 Seed Certification

Seed certification is a process that facilitates the multiplication of small quantities of Breeder seed into large quantities of Certified seed for crop production purposes. Varietal purity is ensured through specific production procedures. Varietal purity standards for Certified seed are generally around 99 percent; it is recognized that up to one percent off-types (seed that is not of the variety) may be unavoidable. These off-types may be the result of mutations, admixing of seeds of other varieties or incomplete control of pollination during the many cycles of multiplication between breeders’ nurseries and farmers’ crop production fields. Variants are seeds or plants that are distinct within a variety, stable and predictable with a degree of reliability, described by the breeder and originally a part of the variety as released. Acceptable variants are not off-types. Off-types at low levels (e.g., less than one percent) have generally not been a problem because they have not adversely affected the growing crop or the value/utility of the harvested material.

Throughout the seed certification process visually distinguishable traits are assessed at field inspection to determine varietal identity and purity and the varietal purity standards have been established on that basis. Occasionally, biochemical testing is used to verify varietal purity as in determining final percent hybridization in corn, the peroxidase test in soybeans or the phenol test in Triticum.

The objective of agricultural field crop seed certification has generally been twofold:

1. the production of seed that is "fit for purpose", i.e., seed that will perform as expected and produce a crop that is suitable for the intended end use; and
2. to encourage, promote or even require that new varieties represent agronomic improvement and not just cosmetic change.

Winter hardiness, grain quality, disease resistance and days to maturity are just some of the traits that producers might expect from specific varieties.

3.5 Genetically Modified Varieties and Plants with Novel Traits

The emergence of genetically modified (GM) varieties, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks based solely on the method of development of these varieties, has affected agriculture and food production profoundly, and seed in particular. The rejection of GM varieties and the food and feed derived from them by certain international markets, and the consequent development of markets differentiated between GM and non-GM varieties, has had dramatic effects on the international trade in seed and challenged seed certification systems. More sophisticated seed and crop production and handling systems have, therefore, been developing to ensure that customer requirements are being met, as freedom from specific genetic modifications or from GM varieties or off-types in general has emerged as a factor that determines end use value. Additionally, plants with novel traits (NTs), whether GM or not, will have significant effects on seed, agriculture and food. For example, novel herbicide tolerance may affect agronomic management decisions (herbicide and crop rotations) and novel output traits (e.g., nutritional enhancements and biopharmaceuticals) will require varying degrees of care.

Increasing commercialization of GM/NT varieties means that seeds of non-GM/NT varieties may have small quantities of adventitious (unintended) GM/NT material appearing as off-types. GM/NT varieties may also test positive for other GM/NT material, not intended to be present. This situation is likely more prevalent in cross pollinating species such as canola and corn than in self pollinating species such as soybean.

Cross pollination at low levels may not be an issue provided varietal purity standards are achieved and the marketplace accepts adventitious GM/NT seed in seed of non-GM/NT varieties. In countries where commercialized GM/NT varieties have environmental, feed and food approvals, adventitious GM/NT material is generally not a concern. Problems arise, however, when

1. there are expectations of, or requirements for, complete freedom from adventitious GM/NT seed either in the domestic seed, feed and food markets or in export markets; and/or
2. there are significant agronomic consequences resulting from adventitious GM/NT seed.

Herbicide tolerance (HT) has been one of the most widely commercialized novel traits incorporated into varieties through modern biotechnology. Corn, soybean and canola GM varieties that are tolerant of the herbicide glyphosate (Roundup^TM) have been widely commercialized. HT has proven to be very popular with producers and approximately 50 percent of the Canadian canola crop of 4 million hectares is planted with varieties exhibiting this trait. This trait has also provided a relatively simple but effective way of assessing varietal purity in canola; seeds of a variety known to be non-HT can be subjected to the herbicide and any seedlings that show resistance are likely the result of outcrossing from, or admixing of, a HT variety. Relatively rapid and inexpensive strip tests that detect the protein responsible for HT are also available commercially.

3.6 The case of canola in Canada

There is little dispute of the environmental, agronomic and economic benefits of glyphosate tolerant (GT) canola in Canada. Recently, however, concerns have also been raised that control of GT canola volunteers are causing some problems. While these volunteers are manageable, either mechanically or through the use of other classes of herbicide, their occurrence has drawn attention to canola seed varietal purity and challenges our understanding and regulation of canola seed certification.

The current varietal purity standard for Certified seed of open pollinated varieties of canola in Canada is 99.75 percent. Surveys of Certified seed of non-GM varieties indicate that the GT trait is widespread but at generally low levels (less than one percent), although occasional seed lots with more do show up. As canola seeding rates are set to achieve approximately 100 plants per square metre, adventitious presence of one percent GT seed would result in one GT plant per square metre and a proportional number of GT volunteers the following spring.

The implementation of better quality management systems by plant breeders, improved screening for GT off-types and enhanced seed handling procedures should keep GT off-types to a minimum in non-GT varieties of canola. However, it should be noted that concerns over the varietal purity of canola seed do not, in this instance, have anything to do with the method of production of the variety (GM) or market acceptance and everything to do with the product (NT) and its consequential effects on agronomic practices and the environment.

This is an excellent example of where trait specific standards within a varietal purity standard may be appropriate. One could imagine, for example, that certain off-types with traits such as novel herbicide tolerance that may have significant agronomic consequences should be kept to a strict minimum, whereas other off-types with traits of little to no significance could be tolerated at higher levels. Examples of the latter in canola include modified oil profiles and pollination control mechanisms.

While many countries have developed seed regulatory frameworks that are triggered by the method of development of a variety (GM) and consumer resistance remains strong in some quarters, there is growing recognition that GM based regulation of plants may be inadequate. Plant breeders are developing techniques that avoid the GM trigger (plants do not meet the definition of GM), yet result in plants with novel traits that deserve official oversight, due to significant agronomic, environmental, feed and food consequences.

3.7 Conclusions

The OECD Seed Schemes are reputable seed certification systems for the production and identification of quality assured seed recognized throughout the world. Working closely with the International Seed Testing Association and the International Seed Federation, the OECD Seed Schemes have responded to scientific and social developments over the years to support and facilitate the production and international trade in seed.

Some plant characteristics are relatively inconsequential and do not affect crop management or the utility and general quality of the harvested material when present at low levels. Other traits may have negative repercussions and there are valid scientific reasons for limiting their spread.

The emergence of varieties derived from modern biotechnology, and different national regulatory responses, has affected trade in seed and challenged some basic assumptions of seed certification. Mandatory identification of GM seed is a reality in many countries. Standards for adventitious presence of GM seeds in non-GM varieties is a factor that must be addressed. Specific GM varieties and GM off-types may or may not have significant health, environmental or agronomic consequences. Thus, a single, specific standard applied to all GM off-types may be inappropriate, from a scientific, risk-based perspective.

Certain novel traits, whether GM or not, may also have significant health, environmental or agronomic consequences. These deserve investigation, international acknowledgment and management by seed regulatory authorities, seed certification systems, the seed trade and producers.

Seed certification systems should be reviewed with particular attention to those aspects that relate to varietal purity. Agreement in principle on the definition and understanding of "variety" are essential. The terms "genetic purity" and "varietal purity" should be addressed with clear conclusions.

4.0 Presentations

The following presentations provided context for the workshop discussions:

• Mike Wray, Controller of Plant Variety Rights, Head of Seeds Division, Defra (United Kingdom), provided an overview of the current UPOV perspective, including definitions of plant variety, distinctness, uniformity, stability, and characteristics.
• Brian Rossnagel, Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, looked at variety descriptions from a biochemical and molecular perspective.
• Dale Adolphe, Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, provided an overview of the role of the organizations involved in certifying seed and the practical challenges facing the seed certification system.
• Bill Scowcroft and Daniel Perry, Canadian Grain Commission, spoke about the increasing range of specific end use quality attributes, quality assurance, and end user expectations.
• Michael Scheffel, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, outlined the application of varietal identity and the application of varietal purity standards in a regulatory and international trade context.

Copies of the presentations can be obtained by contacting:

Christine Tibelius
Officer, Seed Standards, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Dr. Ottawa, ON K1A 0Y9
(613) 225-2342 | tibeliusc@inspection.gc.ca | Facsimile: (613) 228-6629

5.0 Participant Discussion and Feedback

The following section outlines ideas expressed by stakeholders at the CFIA workshop on varietal purity and identity. It does not reflect the views of the CFIA.

5.1 VARIETY THEME

5.1.1 What Is a Variety?

There are a number of sectors where definition of a variety is important - e.g. Plant Breeders Rights (PBR), variety registration, seed certification and particular end-use quality markets. Each area has unique needs and concerns but at the same time they are intrinsically linked because they are dealing with the same products. More discussion around the requirements of a variety description for PBR, variety registration, seed certification and the grain trade is needed. The definitions should flow from the purpose for which the variety will be used and the traits that are of value. The UPOV definition for variety will meet the basic core needs of each (i.e. distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS)) but additional criteria may be required to meet specific needs.

The determination of distinctness of a variety is a key question and may differ depending on the crop type (e.g. hybrid versus open pollinated) as well as whether it is being considered for PBR, variety registration, seed certification or the grain trade. The necessary degree of distinctness will also depend on the purpose for which it is being measured. For PBR, distinctness merely needs to exist whereas for variety registration, it should be related to a trait that has value to a stakeholder within the value chain. The degree of difference could be due to a single or multiple genes.

A different pedigree does not necessarily confer distinctness in terms of visually distinguishable traits but on a genetic level the lines will almost certainly contain different genetic material. Further, a particular gene sequence may exist in a variety but not be expressed. However, the presence of the gene sequence could allow for the variety to be identified. It was suggested that perhaps there is a need for two definitions for a variety and two certification systems - one based on phenotype and one based on genotype. The variety description could contain the information for one or both depending on stakeholder requirements. If there is a move to genotypic descriptions, a number of issues will require resolution including standardization of testing, costs and maintenance of the database.

5.1.2 What Are the Acceptable Limits of Variability in a Variety?

Variability in a variety should be known, stable, defined and commercially acceptable. A certain amount of variability is expected in any variety and may in fact be desirable and intentionally part of the variety. Variability will fluctuate between years and locations and within populations, and can be measured on an individual plant and/or a population basis. Different crop kinds will exhibit different amounts of variability depending on their biology, method of reproduction, how they were bred, residual levels of heterozygosity etc. Variability in some traits will be more obvious than in others. As a result, it may be important to apply different standards and statistical levels of confidence for particular crop kinds and traits and to manage customer expectations accordingly.

The degree of acceptable variability will depend on a number of factors. For variety registration purposes, the breeder may establish the limits of variability for specific traits. Variability resulting from a genotype x environment interaction may however be wider than what is included in the official variety description for variety registration, particularly for quantitative traits

The more variability allowed in the official description, the more strain will be put on the seed certification system. Variants are less of an issue for PBR in that variants and off-types are not distinguished and allowable levels are higher than for seed certification. It is important to remember that there is quality control applied to the process and quality assurance applied to the product through purity of variety (POV) testing. In the end, the customer will demand that the variety performs in a consistent manner in terms of certain agronomic or quality end use traits.

5.1.3 What Is an Appropriate Manner to Apply Varietal Purity Standards?

The application of varietal purity standards should take into account the biology of the crop kind and the purpose for which the standard is being applied. One hundred percent purity is not possible and there is a need for more education in order to manage customer expectations of what the system can or cannot do. Adventitious presence (AP) may or may not be part of the varietal purity standard in the future.

Transparency is important in order that variety developers have a standard that they know they must meet. It is important that they understand how the standard will be applied both in terms of testing and statistics. Appropriate tolerances should be applied around the standards. If the decision is made to use reject numbers in relation to varietal purity standards, the Canadian standard may actually drop. At the same time, markets may force higher standards for certain traits of concern. It is important to note that in order to apply standards, quality assurance systems and sampling and testing methodologies must be in place.

Varietal purity standards need to be set at different levels throughout the production chain. For example, the standard for seed certification is and should continue to be more stringent than the standard for grain. Seed varietal purity will depend on a number of factors, some of which are more controllable than others. It is possible to test at each level of production but there would be significant testing costs as a result. In general, the higher the level of purity, the greater will be the cost. It is important that standards be applied only where necessary so that unwarranted costs are not imposed on producers. Canada is still operating for the most part in a bulk commodity system. If there is added value to be realized through identity preservation (IP) systems and supplying value-added niche markets, the costs and benefits must be realized throughout the production chain in order that profitability at the farm level is not compromised.

IP systems will continue to grow in importance as niche markets proliferate. Seed certification should be the basis for all IP systems. Both IP systems and testing need to be efficient and cost effective. Post control testing is necessary but appropriate standards should be applied and costs should not be excessive.

Verification systems throughout the value chain do not necessarily need to be delivered by a single provider but they must be compatible. There will be roles for both government and industry in establishing and implementing sampling and testing regimes. Government will continue to have responsibility for enforcement but monitoring and even seed certification could be the responsibility of a third party.

It is unrealistic to expect the regulatory system to meet all needs through out the entire value chain. Rather, it may be necessary for government to require minimal varietal purity standards as a basis for seed certification and for industry to add another level to meet specific market requirements such as organic or GMO free.

5.2 SEED CERTIFICATION THEME

5.2.1 What Is the Purpose of Seed Certification?

The purpose of seed certification is to deliver the variety from the plant breeder to the commercial farmer in a timely and traceable manner, true to type and as pure as possible, recognizing that it can’t be as pure as breeder seed. Seed certification also ensures quality and consistency of product, third party credibility and provides a traceability system. There was general agreement that seed certification should also ensure that the product is ‘fit for purpose’. However, there will be different definitions of ‘fit for purpose’, depending on the customer. Education is key and everyone in the chain has a role to play.

While certified seed provides a higher probability of meeting end use quality requirements and a certain degree of risk protection to the producer, the current system was designed to stop at commercial farm production and will not necessarily meet demands further down the production chain. It could be expanded to do so however.

Seed certification also facilitates the international movement of seed. The quality of Canada’s seed production system is recognized globally giving buyers a high degree of confidence in the products they are purchasing. Certification provides a competitive advantage.

5.2.2 Does the Traditional Seed Certification System Meet the Needs of Stakeholders Throughout the Value Chain?

The traditional seed certification system has been meeting the needs of its stakeholders, in part due to the high standards that are currently set. For some crop types and for some applications, the current system will continue to work. However, in the future, these systems may no longer meet the needs of all customers, particularly those supplying niche markets. At the same time, it is important to recognize that the current system should not be changed either for the sake of change or such that the highest standard is applied across the board. Rather, basic needs should be met and then the flexibility incorporated to allow for the application of higher voluntary standards, depending on end use requirements requested by the customer, a willingness to pay and lab capability.

It was suggested that the seed certification system may need to adjust to the type of description provided. In some cases, for particular niche markets, it was suggested that there should be an option to opt out of the traditional seed certification system and replace it by another type of certification system that meets the particular needs of the niche market. Molecular farming may fall into this area.

5.2.3 What Are the Implications for Seed Certification of Different Definitions of "Variety"?

The seed certification system is being challenged by the proliferation of visually similar varieties. In addition to ensuring that the seed crop does not contain plants of other varieties or off-types, the seed grower is expecting the inspector to confirm that he is growing the correct variety. The fact that many varieties are not visually distinguishable has resulted in some problems, and is particularly an issue where visually indistinguishable varieties have different quality attributes. This challenge will increase as the diversity of specific end use traits grows.

If the definition of variety allows for traits not observable in the field, traditional certification won’t necessarily meet the needs of the seed grower. On the other hand, if visual distinctness is a requirement for all varieties, innovation may be restricted. Use of due diligence and good agricultural practices in the production system, combined with pre-market testing, will be crucial in ensuring that all customer requirements are met in the future.

5.3 POLICY THEME

5.3.1 What Should Be the Core Elements of a Canadian Policy on the Application of Varietal Purity Standards in a Regulatory and Non-regulatory Context?

Core elements of a Canadian policy on the application of varietal purity standards in the regulatory context should encompass safety elements and compliance with truth in product claims which includes the ability to measure for verification. Normal variability should be taken into account. A policy should be developed to address what is acceptable variability. The non-regulated component should incorporate market driven requirements for added value, molecular farming and end use value traits.

IP systems increase expectations and demands and as a result producers face increased costs and risks. Growers expect that certified seed will guarantee that they can meet particular needs in terms of seed purity to meet, for example, organic or non-GM markets. If the seed can’t give them this guarantee, this needs to be well communicated. Contracting is critical and guidelines for fair practices should be established. There is a need for core expertise to move knowledge to the private sector.

The use of variety names on common seed and grain derived from common seed will have an impact on the system. There are benefits to being able to sell grain by name to end use customers and the variability that is an issue in seed certification would not be as important for marketing of the grain.

6.0 Appendices

Appendix I - Summary Report

Appendix II - List of Workshop Participants

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Research Branch, Cross-Sectoral Policy Division, Grain Policy Division)
Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies
American Seed Trade Association
BIOTECanada
BioVision Seed Labs
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Seed Section, Variety Registration Office, Plant Biosafety Office, Plant Breeders’ Rights Office, Plant Health Division, Plant Production Division, Ottawa Laboratory - Seeds, Seed Science and Technology Section, Saskatoon, Ottawa Laboratory (Fallowfield), Office of Biotechnology)
Canadian Grain Commission
Canadian Organic Growers
Canadian Seed Growers’ Association
Canadian Seed Institute
Canadian Seed Trade Association
Canola Council of Canada
CropLife Canada
Comisión Intersecretarial de Bioseguridad y Organismos Genéticamente Modificados (CIBIOGEM), Mexico
Discovery Seed Labs Ltd.
International Seed Federation
National Farmers’ Union
National Research Council
Ontario Corn Producers Association
Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada
Saskatchewan Organic Directorate
United Kingdom Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
United States Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Marketing Service, Biotechnology Regulatory Service, Foreign Agriculture Service)
University of Saskatchewan