Independent certification service
An independent seed certification service (SCS) is relevant when more than one organization (cooperatives, private firms, research organizations) and their related farmers (or seed producers) are involved in seed production.
The role of the SCS is:
- to develop quality standards
- to develop and implement inspection procedures
- to issue certificates to indicate that the seed lot has been produced according to
the prescribed quality control procedures and is inspected according to the
prescribed procedures (inspection protocol)
- to stimulate the various seed producing organizations in the production of seed of high
quality and a more uniform quality standard
- to give the buyer of the seed a better guarantee on the quality of the seed he buys
- to give contract growers for organizations (cooperatives, private firms,etc) a better guarantee
that a seed lot is accepted or rejected on the basis of quality and not on quantity produced or
expected market opportunities
Pre-conditions for impact
Pre-conditions for impact of an SCS on seed quality are:
- the quality standards and the protocol for inspection are clear
- feasibility in terms of logistics and costs
- expected reliability of the system
- loyalty of seed producers and seed traders towards the system;
PROTOCOL FOR INSPECTION
FEASIBILITY CERTIFICATION SERVICE
RELIABILITY
An SCS and the tolerances applicable should be adjusted to the agro-socio-economical situation of the country.
CERTIFICATION EXAMPLES