Additional Certification Requirements

AOSCA has responded to advancements being made in the development of new traits by adopting the AOSCA Additional Certification Requirements (ACR) program. Variety owners and developers now have the option of requiring additional testing to confirm the presence of non-visual traits as part of the certification eligibility determination.  

Field inspections are an important part of the seed certification process and utilize visual characteristics to verify varietal identity and purity.  It is increasingly common for new crop traits not to express themselves in a manner that can be verified by a visual inspection.  This often requires specialized testing to confirm that the trait is present by using trait testing protocols and standards developed by the trait developer, not AOSCA. Confirmation of the presence of the trait may be important to both the seed supplier and the seed consumer, but the expense and testing timelines of quantitative trait testing can be an impediment to getting seed to market for some crops.  

The variety owner utilizing the ACR program specifies what test is to be used, when it is administered and by whom, as well as the standard to be met if the seed is to qualify for a class of Certified seed. The ACR documents outline the process for requesting additional requirements on existing varieties or new developments, or the additional requirement can also be identified in the variety description.  

While non-visual traits, whether developed through conventional plant breeding techniques or genetic modification, are the most obvious reasons for selecting an ACR, they are not the only potential use of the program. If a variety owner wants to require a more stringent land history, a greater isolation distance, or the verification of an input application during the growing season, those would be possible with the use of an ACR. It is important to note that an ACR may not be used to test for the absence of a trait, nor can it set a standard lower than published AOSCA or individual seed certifying agency standards.  

ACR program procedures and related information can be accessed through the following link to the AOSCA website. Variety owners and developers are also strongly encouraged to contact their local seed certifying agency if they are considering an ACR. The seed certifying agency can assist them in evaluating the practical aspects of applying the ACR and the additional costs that might be associated with it.

Additional Certification Requirements Procedures>>

Additional Certification Requirements Form>>

Alfalfa & Misc. Legumes Variety Review Board>>

Grass Variety Review Board>>

Small Grain Variety Review Board>>

Soybean Variety Review Board>>

Sunflower Variety Review Board>>

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