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Grower Issues
This page provides background on issues facing the seed industry in
Alberta.
Straight Talk on Certified Seed
Certified seed is truly Mother Nature's microchip - programmed to deliver the best today's crop science has to offer in terms of genetic strength and varietal purity.
Certified seed is undeniably a cost of production, but good seed is an investment in your success. To assess the value of this input, you need to know the issues so you can make an informed choice for your farm business.
Why does Certified seed cost more than what's in my bin?
Mainly because there are additional costs associated with the production of Certified seed:
- seed growers pay a fee per acre on every crop of pedigreed seed they grow.
- seed growers pay crop inspection fees of $1.10/acre and $100 for every Select or Probation plot.
- registered seed establishments, which clean and handle Certified seed also pay authorizaton and accreditation fees
- retail prices of Certified seed also include levies and royalties paid to plant breeders and seed distributors.
Why should I use Certified seed?
The Certified seed tag guarantees the seed you buy has gone through all proper multiplication, inspection and cleaning processes to ensure a pure product. You get:
- seed that is true to type; a pure variety
- access to the newest plant genetics
- more uniform germination for stronger competition in the field and an easier harvest
- higher yields
- access to end-use specific (higher revenue) markets
- convenience
How will Certified seed help me make more money?
A high-quality, high-yielding crop will always improve profit potential.
And Certified seed is fast becoming a minimum requirement for premium-paying Identity Preserve (IP) contracts. To achieve consistency in their processed products, buyers are demanding the quality and purity that Certified seed delivers.
How does Certified seed compare to other crop inputs?
Lenders and crop insurers consider Certified seed a valuable input that can reduce risk of crop failure; that is sometimes reflected in loan rates and premiums.
In the field, agronomic benefits of Certified seed can contribute to overall profitability by helping to deliver a clean, high-yielding crop.
Canadian Seed Growers can help.
There are over 4,000 professional seed growers across Canada. It's their job to bring the new plant genetics from the plant breeder to your farm. Their goal is to provide you with the best possible seed products, information and service to help you get more from your business.
Canada's seed industry is the backbone of agriculture. It provides new genetics, improved varieties and quality seed to produce better, healthier, higher-value crops to commercial farmers from coast to coast, and ensure the development of better varieties in the future.
If you have any questions about Certified seed, or the Canadian seed
industry, contact us.
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