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The regulatory challenge Many of todays seed treatment products are faced by the challenge of complying with proposed regulatory requirements. This means for example for upcoming registrations of a seed treatment product in the 28 countries of the European Union EU that the industry has to demonstrate that 90 of seed treatment sites using the product to be registered meet the Heubach dust values set by the regulators for this use. In other words 450 of Europes approx. 500 hybrid corn seed treatment sites will have to prove full compliance with the required quality standard. How can the industry meet this regulatory challenge A voluntary industry-driven certification scheme covering these requirements is undoubtedly better than regulations imposed by authorities because it is less bureaucratic less costly more supportive of best manage- ment practices and enables the seed industry to drive quality stan- dard developments. The first move in preparing for certification is to appoint a quality control manager. His or her first step will be to define process measurements in order to assure process and product quality. The defined processes then have to be controlled as the basis for the risk analysis procedure described above. Other key steps are to review production records prepare staff job descriptions and develop problem resolution proce- dures. To obtain ESTA Certification seed treaters need to prove their good practices to an independent certifying body by means of written procedures and comprehensive records. ESTA certification is granted on the basis of successful audits con- ducted by authorized certifying bodies. Those approved by ESA are accredited for EN 45011ISO 17065 and have proven experience in the field of agriculture. The audits themselves are carried out on site by qualified seed auditors. ESTA also allows certified treatment sites to use other facilities for specific tasks e.g. packaging or repackaging treated seed but in order to maintain the main sites ESTA-certified status the external facilities also have to have ESTA certification for the same crop. Why certification In the final analysis certification makes good business sense for a seed treater. A certification logo is a sign of quality supports a strong brand image and symbolizes a sustainable solution for seed treaters and their customers. As farmers become more aware of sustainability issues the demand for seeds treated in a certified facility will increase Certification a Game-Changing Enabler The certification of seed treatment sites is a key stewardship measure. Its not just that certification enhances the professionalism of the seed treatment industry by increasing transparency and ensuring stewardship measures are monitored. Certification actually helps to maintain the industrys license to sell by strengthening the confidence of public authorities and civil society and by optimizing seed treatment practices for the benefit of sustainable agriculture. That is why Bayer CropScience fully supports its customers in fulfilling the requirements of certifying bodies. The game-changing path to true professionalism in seed treatment is certification. The path to true professionalism in seed treatment CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST Working through the following checklist can prove very helpful in preparing for an on-site certification audit Seed receipt transportation and storage Documentation of crop variety and origin moisture content Delivery to treater Purified seeds cleaning system air separatoraspiration system regular calibration of weight station and flow meter Seed treatment equipment Number detailed description dust aspiration system Formulation Use of quality productscertified recipies qualified equipment operator Dosage of seed treatment products and additives regular control and documentation of calibration Treated seed samples Use of automatic sample takers for every batch minimum storage period of retain samples Quality checks Heubach test loading test Work order Documentation of work order necessary information on seeds Packaging Dust aspiration before packaging labeling of treated seeds in line with legal requirements Treatment of failures Procedures to handle improper treatments e.g. too high Heubach dust values Employee training Certificates of competence knowledge levels refresher courses Proper storage transportation and disposal of seed treatment products Proper storage and transportation of treated seeds