b'as a limitation to something we see as perhaps a tool that we will use in the future to introduce new value-added traits. I think the perception of this kind of system is changing in agriculture. We see this as the model for introducing more value-added traits and identity preservation in the future."Syngenta set out in 2011 to administer the closed-loop isola-tion plan as a continuation of the procedures established by the USDA for regulated field trials. However, the company soon real-ized that this was not how to manage regulation at scale. "Every year, we do our internal audits for stakeholder rela-tions," says Syngenta Head of Enogen Chris Cook. "We also hire third-party audits. Auditing our data is more than just checking a box. Out of an audit, we can see if there is a gap in the program or if there is something that we should do differently as we go into the next year. We look at the program critically to see what is working and what we need to improve."Cook is confident Syngenta has developed a best-in-class iden-tity-preserved program at scale in the grain trade. The program provides a high level of traceability. The company knows when the seed is shipped, where it is stored and where it is planted. All thatChris Cook. information is mapped with the mapped fields publicly available to anyone on the planet by simply logging on to Syngenta\'s publicly accessible IP360 web page, an online repository of identity-pre-served field locationsThe vision of IP360 is to provide clarity to identity-preserved stakeholders on the location of contracted fields for use inWe see this as the model for introducing more value-planting intentions, understanding in-season field locations and provide support to grain merchandisers. IP360 distinguishes dif- added traits and identity preservation in the future. ferent crops via a color-coding system based on information that Duane Martinparticipants provide. Growers also disclose where Enogen grain or Enogen feed silage is being stored. Grain farmers and the designated ethanol production plant also determine when and where Enogen corn is going to be delivered and used."That traceability function is paramount when you start think-ing about sustainability," Cook says. "Without traceability, there is no such thing as sustainability. We are working closely with both the biofuels industry and the livestock production industry. In the beginning, we gave many people angst because this is an identity-preserved crop at scale. Now, after nearly 10 years, people generally acknowledge we are doing a good job, which bodes well to what we are looking at for the future." In some cases, grain handlers are integrated into the system. Ethanol growers contract directly with the ethanol plant, although Syngenta maintains an interest in managing the contract. The ethanol plant sets the grain delivery and supply schedule. From year to year, Syngenta continually evaluates the program: is the system continuing to respond to participants\' needs, and how could it be improved? How else might this system be expanded to introduce other traits and grain qualities in other crops? To Martin, it is a progression. "It started as an attempt to intro-duce a unique trait and make sure we protect the value of our trait without it detracting from the value of anybody else\'s process. It has grown over time to where this looks like a tool that we and others might use to produce something other than No. 2 YSC." Duane Martin.14/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2020'