US seed lab program opens for business

Related tags Agriculture Cereal

The first seed lab to earn approval in the new USA Accredited Seed
Lab (ASL) program is open for business.

BioDiagnostics, a leader in genetic purity and standard germination seed testing, is confident that accreditation of its facility will guarantee value to customers and ensure that quality is maintained.

"The USA Accredited Seed Lab Program is the result of many organizations working in collaboration to help the US seed industry be more competitive in a global economy,"​ said BioDiagnostics CEO Quentin Schultz.

"The significance of this program has already been demonstrated by Canadian recognition of USA ASL as equivalent to their own rigorous accreditation program. BioDiagnostics is pleased to participate in a program that can bring this kind of value to its customers."

Increasing pressure is continually being placed on the seed and grain sector. The 2005 global cereal crop for example is expected to reach 1,996m tonnes, about 2.8 per cent below the record 2004 crop.

Output is not expected to meet rising demand for cereals.

The USA ASL Program, launched earlier this year, is a voluntary, user-fee service available to seed testing laboratories. It is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) conducts independent process verification audits of the seed laboratory's program documentation and procedures with regard to the ASL Program to determine how the company performed in a number of crucial areas, specifically germination and physical purity testing.

Adherence to the requirements and quality standards of the USDA Process Verified Program will further enhance the quality and consistency of seed testing in the U.S.

"We are extremely proud to announce that BioDiagnostics is the first lab in the US to achieve accreditation under the USA Accredited Seed Lab program,"​ said Randall Jones, associate deputy administrator, Livestock and Seed Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

"The creation and implementation of the USA ASL is the culmination of months of work by many, many individuals and organizations within the seed industry."

BioDiagnostics​ is a leading seed testing company providing a complete line of genetic purity and standard germination testing services. BioDiagnostics partners with seed companies to achieve seed excellence by providing comprehensive industry experience and leading seed testing technology.

Related topics R&D

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