b'Should You THE SEED INDUSTRYhas seen better times than we are currently seeing. Much of this can be attributed to a stretched and fragile seed market. When dollars seem to be flowing out Scrimp on the more quickly than they flow in, it can be tempting to try to sharpen ones financial pencil by cutting out any additional costs. The big question is: is seed testing a nice to have bonus or a cant skip it necessity?Seed Test WhenMultiple factorsvirtually all outside of seed producer and seed companies controlhave converged to challenge the seed sector. We are a global industry and rely on all world production Times Are Tough?areas, says Amanda Patin, crop science director of business development for SGS North America, Inc. in Brookings, South Dakota, which performs agricultural quality testing. She points out that every part of the globe has been impacted in recent years by numerous issues. Just some include, she says, an increase As inflation dominates the economy,in weather-related production issues, war, increased supply and some companies are choosing to foregotransportation costs and a declining and aging labor force.certain seed tests. Experts agree thats The war between Russia and Ukraine isnt helping mat-ters, agrees Sarah Foster, president and senior seed analyst at a risky choice.Lisa Kopochinski 20/20 Seed Labs Inc., which has locations in Nisku, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Prices and supplies have been affected. Of course, it depends upon local versus other international markets and they vary considerably. [But] I dont see the situation improv-ing until the war is resolved.The case for seed testing Given the current challengesespecially the challenge of increased input costsFoster says seed customers are looking for any possible assurance of some protection from crop failures, poor performance, and disease threats. They also need precise planting information. SGS provides a comprehensive range of seed germination testing services for demonstrating regulatory compliance.PHOTO: SGS16/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2023'