AOSCA 2014 Regional

MeetingsReport from the AOSCA Certification Requirements and Standards Council

Certification and Standards Requirements CouncilMidwinter Meeting – San Diego, March 3, 2014

Mike Moore, Chair Vice Chairs

Jim Bostick, Southern Region Doug Boze, Western Region Doug Miller, Global Region Ben Lang, Northern Region

AOSCA Standards Changes

Review changes adopted in June, 2013 Verify inclusion in Yellow Book All changes were included Conclusions:

System for revising standards is working Key – continue to use proposed standards

change form

Seed Testing Fluorescence testing in ryegrass

Distinguish annual from perennial FSA reference Regulatory use Issues/limitations

Breeding – affects on characteristic Descriptions – varieties with high levels of variants Testing consistency Alternative testing methods (DNA)

AOSA acceptance Cost

Seed Testing

Seed Testing Fluorescence testing in oats

Distinguish yellow oats from white Variety ID test for certification (some states) FSA reference Regulatory use Described testing procedure

1985 International Rules for Testing Seed AOSA Rules for Seed Testing (Cultivar Purity Handbook)

Inexpensive/low tech test

Seed Testing Fluorescence testing in oats

Issues/limitations Testing consistency – (interpretation subjective?) Influence of environment/age of seed Breeder descriptions

High % of fluorescence variation described “Heterogeneous”

White Paper – Mike Moore ‘Shooter’ Oats

Description: “78.3% fluorescent” 2013 VRB: “Approved” USDA : “Label shall not state variety name as Shooter”

Variety Review Board Issues Requirements for acceptance

What is required? (Different views within AOSCA) FSA requirements VRB application requirements vary

Amount of supporting data required

VRB survey results Discussion:

Apply FSA wording carefully Require data only to support claims Valid reasons for variation between crop kinds Implications of Shooter oats decision? USDA – more communication needed?

Tagging and Labelling

Alternative tag format:

Tagging and Labelling

Use of PVP Title V varieties in seed mixes Certification issues Regulatory issues PVP issues How to label? Solutions?

Cover Crops

Use being promoted – Federal and State agencies Midwest Chesapeake Bay

Seed demand increasing Limited seed supplies Regulatory issues Seed certification issues (land requirements) Custom seeding (aerial) New crops?

Red Clover

Two year seed crop limitation Still appropriate? Discussion:

Biennial/short-lived legume Genetic shift beyond two years Data needed to support standards change

Additional Certification Requirements Adopted by AOSCA BASF boiler plate (AOSCA approved) No current users Best uses of ACR’s - for varieties with:

Novel traits Special testing needs Specific production requirements

How to communicate availability and promote use?

Other topics

GMO issues Alfalfa hay export Wheat – OR Labeling initiatives

Local State Federal

Other topics

Certified Seed Promotion BDC survey results Website Other materials Role of Council vice-chairs