Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
to admission to the exam. A minimum score of 80% was established for passing the test which included:
seed identiication; purity, germination, seed vigor, tetrazolium, and moisture testing methods; evaluation
of normal and abnormal seedlings; seed sampling; knowledge of botany; Canadian and United States fed-
eral seed laws; and oficial rules for seed testing and tolerances. Candidates who qualify have the privilege
of using the Society Seal and Insignia. The oficial seal is evidence that the SCST member is a Registered
Seed Technologist ( RST) , and this becomes part of the individual's credentials. Thereafter, the seal accom-
panies the results of any test performed under RST supervision. As part of consolidation with AOSA,
SCST has begun to offer accreditation in only purity or germination. Accredited technologists are known
as Certiied Purity Technologist (CPT) and Certiied Germination Technologist (CGT) . A common SCST-
AOSA examination will be offered starting in 2012.
In 2001, the SCST established the Registered Genetic Technologist (RGT) and Certiied Genetic
Technologist (CGT) programs for individuals in laboratories performing genetic purity testing. Candidates
are accredited based on several criteria, including (1) accepted accredited courses in biological and molecu-
lar sciences, (2) approved genetic purity workshops, (3) training under direct supervision of a qualiied
supervisor, and (4) attainment of a passing grade in the prescribed examination consisting of demonstrated
written and practical competency in four areas of genetic purity testing, including bioassay (herbicide),
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), electrophoresis protocols and polymerase chain reaction
(PCR-based) technologies. Thus, SCST continues to meet the needs of the seed industry through innovative
and progressive seed testing capability and programs.
Consolidation between AoSA and SCST
1995 - Collaboration Committee is established. In 1996, the committee discussed the most relevant, efi-
cient and useful ways to respond to changes in the market place.
1997-2002 - Collaboration committee recommends that the following publications and committees be com-
bined: Journal, Newsletter, Handbook, Legislative, Research, Referee, and Meeting Place.
2003-2005 - An ad-hoc AOSA-SCST Rules Voting committee is established to develop a procedure for both
associations to vote to adopt Rules.
2006-2007 - A joint AOSA-SCST task force is established to explore the pros and cons of consolidation and
presented a detailed review of the organization's mission, purpose, and strategic goals.
2008-2009 - AOSA and SCST unanimously pass motions supporting the continuation of the consolidation
task force effort. An update on the consolidation effort is given at the ASTA, AOSCA, OECD,
CSAAC and ISTA meetings. In 2009, the Task Force developed a detailed Consolidation Plan and
a draft of the by-laws.
2013 - Full consolidation is expected.
Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (www.seedanalysts.com)
In 1944, six commercial seed analysts, formerly with the Toronto Seed Laboratory of Agriculture Canada,
met in Toronto and formed the Ontario Commercial Seed Analysts Association. The purposes of this organi-
zation were (1) to keep abreast of new methods of seed testing and (2) to assist analysts in overcoming any
problems that might arise in their work. Analysts from other Canadian provinces quickly showed an inter-
est in this association, and, at the second meeting in 1945, the name was changed to the Commercial Seed
Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). By 2008, the Association had grown to more than 100 members,
with twenty-seven in Ontario, twenty-six in Alberta, sixteen in Saskatchewan, thirteen in Manitoba, three in
Quebec, two in British Columbia, and seventeen in the United States.
Most members of the CSAAC are also members of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists;
thus close communication is maintained between these two organizations. Members of CSAAC also attend
the annual meetings of the Association of Oficial Seed Analysts.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search