At SGS, we see seed testing as more than just a technical step — it’s part of a much larger community that supports food security, innovation, and sustainable agriculture.
Our work connects farmers, breeders, regulators, and industry experts across borders, creating a network built on trust, shared knowledge, and mutual responsibility.
Over the years, we’ve learned that responding to the evolving needs of the seed industry often means listening closely and working together. When clubroot disease appeared in Western Canada more than a decade ago, we responded quickly by commercializing molecular testing methods to help farmers identify and manage the affected fields. This wasn’t just about technology; it was about understanding the concerns of growers and working alongside industry partners to find solutions that could support their efforts to protect crops and keep fields healthy.
Similarly, our work on blackleg diagnostics was driven by feedback from customers. We recognized the need for faster results — waiting nearly a month for testing was no longer acceptable — and developed rapid molecular tests that can deliver answers in just a few days. These improvements came directly from conversations within our community — farmers, industry colleagues, and regulators — who shared their experiences and needs. It’s about listening, learning, and constantly refining our processes to better serve those we work with.
Our involvement in the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) is another important part of how we stay connected with the broader seed community. Being one of only two private laboratories in Canada accredited under ISTA shows our dedication to upholding international standards. Through participation, benchmarking, and sharing knowledge globally, we contribute to a network that develops new testing techniques, harmonizes procedures, and promotes quality assurance across borders. It’s a way to learn from others as well as share what we’ve learned — keeping us aligned with the best practices and ensuring we do our part in supporting global seed integrity.
Our reach goes beyond Canada. SGS has a presence in many parts of the world, with laboratories supporting the entire seed supply chain — everything from seed certification and impurity checks to advanced genomic testing and field diagnostics. In Canada, our labs in Sherwood Park, Grande Prairie, Burnaby, Saskatoon, and Guelph are all part of this larger picture, working behind the scenes to help safeguard seed quality and give growers and seed retailers confidence in what they’re producing and selling.
Expanding our services has always been about more than just offering more tests — it’s about serving our community better. For example, opening a chemistry lab in Sherwood Park was a response to the need for quicker, more reliable diagnostics locally, especially for treated seeds and other products. Keeping those services in Canada reduces delays — supporting the seed sector and breeders as they strive for sustainable growth.
What ties all of this together is a simple belief: that protecting the integrity of the seed supply chain is a shared effort. Our team is made up of professionals who are dedicated not just to doing their jobs but to ensuring that every test, every new process, and every improvement helps strengthen the industry. We work closely with seed companies, regulators, and international partners because we know that no one organization can do it alone.
Listening to feedback from clients and colleagues is fundamental. It helps us identify gaps and opportunities — whether that’s developing faster tests, more precise diagnostics, or exploring new areas like soil health or crop diagnostics. Staying involved in industry conferences, committees, and networks like ISTA means we’re constantly learning and applying new ideas, always aiming to improve.
Our true goal is to provide certainty — with our motto “When you need to be sure,” SGS aims to be the trusted partner clients turn to. But beyond that, it’s about building a community rooted in shared values: quality, trust, transparency, and collaboration. Every seed we test, every process we improve, and every new service we develop is part of a collective effort to support a more resilient and sustainable agriculture system.
