Breeder Seed
CSGA is the delegated authority for certifying Breeder and Select seed crops and approving Breeder and Select seed as eligible parent seed for further pedigreed seed crop production. CSGA issues Breeder and Select seed tags which can be used on seed harvested from crops certified by the CSGA. When produced in Canada, “seed” can only be finally certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and sold as Foundation, Registered, or Certified status seed if it was harvested from a “crop” that was certified by the CSGA.
Breeder seed is the highest class of seed certified by CSGA. Produced in small plots by Plant breeders, Breeder seed provides the original parent seed for all other classes of pedigreed seed. It is crucial that this material be as free as practically possible from varietal impurities, other kinds, weed seeds and other foreign material. The plant breeder is responsible for controlling the production of the seed, assuring that it is grown and processed to the highest standards. Breeder seed production must follow a set of guidelines with stringent standards.
CSGA Breeder Seed Program
The Association is also solely responsible for designating CSGA-Recognized Plant Breeders and CSGA-Recognized Associate Plant Breeders through the CSGA Breeder Seed Program. Learn more about our Breeder Seed Program here.
Canadian Breeder Seed Requirements
The Canadian Breeder Seed Requirements provide direction to plant breeders responsible for the production of Breeder seed certified by CSGA and the approval of Breeder seed that has not been CSGA-certified. The document also explains CSGA requirements for peer-reviewed professional recognition of plant breeders and third-party audited quality management systems. These requirements should be used in conjunction with CSGA’s Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (Circular 6).
The Breeder Memo 2024 provides information for plant breeders regarding Breeder seed plot production. It includes updates on CSGA Learn, Form 50 data, applying for certification of new varieties, Breeder seed for export, and more.
CSGA-Recognized Plant Breeder and CSGA-Recognized Associate Plant Breeder
In Canada, Breeder seed is produced by CSGA-Recognized Plant Breeders. Plant Breeders are responsible for assuring Breeder seed is grown and processed to the highest standards. Recognized Plant Breeder (RPB) status means that the individual is a fully qualified Plant Breeder who is authorized to do all activities and complete any forms or documents associated with Breeder seed production, Breeder seed approval or variety certification eligibility.
For pedigreed seed crop certification, a RPB is any person recognized as such by the CSGA for being knowledgeable in the principles and practices of plant breeding and related disciplines, engaged in the selection and development of varieties and maintaining the identity and purity of varieties. By providing peer reviewed professional recognition of plant breeders’ qualifications, CSGA recognizes the breeders’ ability to maintain or supervise the maintenance of Breeder seed plots. Since Breeder seed is the basis of all seed crop varieties, it is important that great care and attention be given to this critical step in the multiplication of seed of varieties.
Recognition Requirements
Please see our CSGA Designations webpage for full accreditation requirements.
Breeder Seed Certification Forms
Application for Breeder Seed Crop Certificate
Plant breeders must submit the Application for a Breeder Seed Crop Certificate (Form 43) to the CSGA office to certify Breeder seed crops. The application is completed electronically with supporting documents, such as certificates of analysis, erucic acid test results, variety descriptions or Form 300 via SeedCert.
Application for Variety Certification Eligibility
Each new seed variety of crop kinds exempt from registration, which will be identified by variety name on official seed certification tags must have its certification eligibility recognized by CSGA. An Application for Variety Certification Eligibility (Form 300) and variety description (Appendix 1.1 – 1.4) is submitted via SeedCert and a reference seed sample is sent to the CSGA office in the first year of official seed crop certification in Canada. This form is not required for most experimental or Breeder seed crops.
Application for Approval of Breeder Seed Not Certified by the CSGA
Plant breeders must submit the Application for Approval of Breeder Seed Not Certified by the CSGA (Form 40) via SeedCert for CSGA to approve Breeder seed as eligible parent seed for pedigreed seed production by seed growers when CSGA has not certified the Breeder seed.
Breeder Seed Tags
Breeder seed must be properly labelled as Breeder seed if the seed is transferred or sold to another party. For seed which has been certified by the CSGA (CSGA has issued a crop certificate number), CSGA will provide Breeder seed tags upon request. Breeders must use their own tags if the seed has been approved by – but not certified by – CSGA (CSGA has issued a pedigreed reference number).
If you have any questions about labelling Breeder seed, please contact the Certification team via email or call (613) 236-0497 ext. 8806. If you wish to order Breeder seed tags, please contact Client Support via email or call (613) 236-0497 ext. 8803.
Demotion of Breeder Seed Application
The Demotion of Breeder Seed Application (Form 45) is submitted to the CSGA via SeedCert to demote Breeder seed for the purpose of selling it as Foundation or Registered.
Resources
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Plant Gene Resources of Canada
- Breeder Seed Production Quality Management System (QMS) Assessment Checklist
- Canada’s Seeds Act
- Canada’s Seed Regulations
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Canadian Seed Institute List of Accredited Seed Testing Labs
- Canadian Seed Institute List of Accredited Assessors
- Quality Management Systems (QMS) Q&A
