Pedigreed Seed and GM Flax Testing
We have been asked many questions about flax, the need for certified seed and the testing protocol.
Linked below is some information that many of you will have already seen - but just in case it is worth noting:
While the protocol includes a heavy testing requirement and additional cost to seed growers, the industry is relying on the pedigreed seed system to be the starting point in clearing GM flax from our system. This does not mean that all certified seed will be free of GM, but the traceability of certified seed allows the industry to track contamination and the system to be flushed clean. The endorsement by the major grain handlers is a tribute to the high quality seed system we have in place. All industry stakeholders need to work together to get our flax industry back on its feet.
Over the next few weeks, visit the Flax Council of Canada website as it houses the most up-to-date information on the GM flax situation, including the latest protocol for testing GM presence and the approved labs. The information below was pulled from the Flax Council of Canada website.
Pedigreed flax seed testing program
In order that all flax that is sown this spring is GM free, the seed growers are being asked to do two things that will relate to labs testing for Triffid.
1. Have a hand cleaned sample tested before “conditioning” the seed. If the sample tests positive, there is no point in the seed grower spending anymore time or money on this lot. For this test, one (1) replicate is sufficient per sample.
2. If the sample tests negative, the seed grower should proceed to “condition” the seed. When this process is completed, a representative sample will have to be tested. For this test, four (4) replicates are required per sample.
A system has been established to track the results of pedigreed seed testing. In this case, the results will be shared with the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) as well as the FCC. In cases when pedigreed seed tests positive, the CSGA will be able to track back and attempt to determine where the contamination took place.
To sum up, the information labs need to get from the seed growers besides name, etc, is:
1. The crop certificate number
2. The lot number
3. Variety
4. Which sample is it, before conditioning or after conditioning?
5. Permission to release data
The database we are working with has been developed by OlaTech Corporation in Winnipeg. They will make available to you an online form that you can use to enter test results into directly. You will only have access to the results you enter. Once entered you will be able to export the data to whatever system you are using internally, i.e., Excel, etc.
All labs that have been previously approved by the Grain Research Laboratory/Canadian Grain Commission will be acceptable to the industry to participate in the Pedigreed Testing Program.
Producer flax testing program
Under the producer flax testing pro gram The Flax Council of Canada (FCC) has developed a separate database into which the results of the tests are entered. Access to this data is restricted to the Flax Council of Canada (FCC) and bulk flax exporters. When producers bring a sample to be tested, they are asked to sign a release that allows the lab to send the data to FCC.
For further information, please contact the Flax Council of Canada at 204-982-2115; email flax@flaxcouncil.ca.
As I understand the test there are 3 possible outcomes:
1) Positive - all 4 sub-samples have some level of GM flax
2) Trace - at least 1 of the 4 sub-samples has some level of GM flax
3) Negative - all 4 sub-samples test free of GM flax
It is important that you understand the results of your test for the European market as the majority of grain handlers will be targeting only seed lots that test negative (i.e. not positive or trace). If you are not sure about your results ask the lab for an interpretation.
Don’t hesitate to contact me or your local marketing representative if you have questions.
We appreciate your patience and co-operation as the industry works through this tough issue.
Todd Hyra
Business Manager, Western Canada
thyra@secan.com
204 489 9126