Seed Potato Certification in Canada
Certification of seed potatoes in Canada is the responsibility of the Canadian Food inspection Agency. The seed program is based on a limited generation system. The number of field generations is limited to seven. The seed automatically moves down one generation (class) each year. Initially the first generation (Pre-elite) originates from tested nuclear stock to ensure pathogen freedom. This pathogen freedom is maintained as the seed sequentially moves downward annually and the fields must pass rigorous field inspection. A sample of the plants or tubers in each field is subject to a laboratory test for Bacterial Ring Rot (except Certified class) every year. Seed potato growers participate in a voluntary post harvest test in Hawaii for additional virus readings as established by market demand.
| CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year in Field | Seed Class | Generation | Requirements |
| - | Nuclear Seed (N) | - | Produced in an enclosed environment from pathogen free stock |
| 1 | Pre-Elite (PE) | 1 | Grown from N seed |
| 2 | Elite 1 (E1) | 2 | Grown from N or PE seed |
| 3 | Elite 2 (E2) | 3 | Grown from N, PE or E1 seed |
| 4 | Elite 3 (E3) | 4 | Grown from N, PE, E1 or E2 seed |
| 5 | Elite 4 (E4) | 5 | Grown from N, PE, E1, E2 or E3 seed |
| 6 | Foundation (F) | 6 | Grown from N, PE, E1, E2, E3 or E4 seed |
| 7 | Certified © | 7 | Grown from N, PE, E1, E2, E3, E4 or F seed |
BC Certified Seed Potato Growers Association
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Download a printable version of the 2016-2017 guide (PDF)