Identity Preservation and Traceability

The demand for identity verification and traceability in food systems continues to grow. By using grains and oilseeds grown from Certified seed in your food production system, you can confidently deliver on promises of specific food characteristics and traceability to your consumer. This is often achieved by establishing a system of identity preservation (IP).

What is Identity Preservation?

Identity preserved agricultural production means that the unique traits or quality characteristics of a variety are maintained from when the crop is seeded through to when the crop is harvested, transported, handled, processed and shipped. A trait can be any valuable, distinguishing characteristic that the buyer requires – for example, high sugar content in snack soybeans, or high colour in durum used to make pasta.

The Canadian Grain Commission’s Canadian Identity Preserved Recognition System (CIPRS) is a voluntary program that certifies that a company’s IP system for the production, handling and transportation of specialty grains, oilseeds or pulses is effective.

Providing Traceability with Certified Seed?

IP systems that begin with Certified seed provide identity verification and detailed traceability on the crop and the seed planted to produce that crop. Where a specific attribute or ingredient is required to deliver specific nutritional requirements, Certified seed ensures those requirements are met.

For more information on identity preservation, please visit the Canadian Grain Commission and Canadian Seed Institute websites.

View Case Studies of IP systems.