Seed Quality Testing

1. Field Sampling by Farm Advisory Service

The Farm Advisory Service collects seed samples from growers’ fields to assess the quality of seed produced under the Corporation’s seed production programme. These samples are submitted to the PSC Quality Control Laboratory for testing.

2. Initial Quality Testing

The PSC Quality Control Laboratory examines the collected samples against the applicable seed quality standards. Seed lots meeting the prescribed requirements are considered eligible for procurement, subject to the Corporation’s procurement procedures.

3. Gate Testing

After the seed is received at the designated facility, a second quality test, known as the Gate Test, is conducted to verify that the received seed lot meets the required quality standards.

4. Third-Party Quality Testing and Certification

The Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD), in coordination with PSC, conducts further quality testing in accordance with applicable procedures and requirements. This stage provides an additional level of quality verification before the seed is approved for distribution.

5. Tagging and Distribution

Seed lots that successfully meet the prescribed quality standards and certification requirements are approved for tagging. The approved seed is then prepared for distribution and marketing through PSC’s designated sales channels.