b'Why our Work in Chile is Invaluableto the Canola SectorWE ARE GETTING ready to return to Chile again for theand samples keep their quality integrity during sampling, second time since this thing called COVID-19 became apackaging, transport and delivery to our lab for testing. part of our lives. The prognosis for this season is veryWe are also taking steps in getting ISTA accreditation for promising in terms of sample numbers. Sleeves up, as thethe lab in Chile.saying goes.Our days in Chile are busy, as we are constantly work-Our clients from Canada are situated in Chile to growing to provide our clients in Canada with test results as canola seed, as the climate conditions are more favour- fast as possible. At all times, we try to have two analysts able there. Our role is to ensure testing is done accordingin the lab and a crop inspector out in the field. Its not a to the Canadian rules.typical eight-hour workday. We go on for as long as nec-We also provide sampling training for the Chileanessary to be sure that everything is handled for the day. facilities that handle canola contra-season production.We look forward to returning to Chile to see our This training reflects consistency with the requirements offriends and do important work that keeps the Canadian the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and thecanola industry going. COVID protocols are still a con-Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The scope is tocern. ensure seed handling is performed in a consistent mannerThe mobility pass that Chile requires travelers to have for entry is also a challengethe vaccination informa-tion they require for validation needs to be submitted much earlier than the 45 days usually specified. They are overwhelmed with processing a high amount of submis-sions and that causes issues at the border for people who cant yet present the vaccination validation.I also worry a little about the future as well. Last season, we noticed summer temperatures in Chile were a bit cooler than usual, which we found to be a relief. That said, when it comes to canola seed, thats wor-risome. If their climate starts to cool down, the overall conditions will change as well, which presents a big chal-lenge for the canola sector. Stay tuned via our Twitter account for regular updates on our work in Chile.IOANA STROECHILE LAB OPERATIONS MANAGER,20/20 SEED LABSIoana@2020seedlabs.ca @2020Seedlabs2020seedlabs.caJANUARY 2022 GERMINATION.CA 25'