The Canadian Seed Institute (CSI) delivers accreditation and monitoring programs for the Canadian seed industry. Recognized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, CSI has been given the mandate to be the single point contact for all seed establishments, seed laboratories, operators and graders seeking registration, licensing or accreditation.

Currently, CSI monitors approximately 1000 Canadian seed establishments, authorized importers and accredited seed testing laboratories.

High Standards

CSI is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1997 by the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA), the Canadian Seed Growers' Association (CSGA) and the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC).  

CSI uses independent auditors to evaluate seed establishments against the CSI standard.  CSI regularly reviews industry performance through quality system audits and product sampling.  

"With the CSI standards being based on ISO 9001:2008 and reflecting current industry practices and having a very experienced and knowledgeable auditor base, CSI helps the pedigreed seed industry maintain the highest level of quality during the handling, processing and packaging of seed," says CSI Executive Director Roy van Wyk.

Increase Profitability

CSI programs increase profitability and improve visibility for CSI clients in both domestic and foreign markets by providing enhanced efficiency, risk reduction and increased customer confidence.

"We want to help CSI accredited seed establishments to exceed the minimum regulatory requirements,” said Roy van Wyk.  "Recognition of consistent, high quality in a product translates into improved business opportunities for Canadian Seed establishments."  

Broad Recognition 

The application of the CSI standards confers the right to use the Canada pedigreed grade name certification mark and enhances Canada's reputation for seed quality. CSI's standards are developed to harmonize with international standards in order to assist in the elimination of technical barriers faced in international trade.

A quality assurance process allows seed companies to do business more efficiently. It leads to a significant reduction in errors and demonstrates to customers on a global basis, that the quality of Canadian seed meets the highest standards.