SA Seed Certification Scheme
The South African Seed Potato Certification Scheme functions under the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act No 53 of 1976).
The Independent Certification Council for Seed Potatoes (ICCSP) is designated as the authority which exercises the powers, performs the functions and carries out the duties conferred upon, assigned to or imposed upon the authority under the scheme.
The Council is comprised of democratically elected seed potato growers representing each seed production area, the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Council, a representative of the Forum for Nuclear Material Prodviders (NUMPRO), the Manager of Potato Laboratory Services and the Manager of Potato Certification Service. The Council is chaired by an independent Executive Chairman elected by the seed potato growers on the Council.
Potato Certification Service is contracted by the Independent Certification Council for Seed Certification to manage and administrate the South African Seed Potato Certification Scheme.
Outline of the South African Seed Potato Certification Scheme
SOUTH AFRICAN SEED POTATO CERTIFICATION SCHEME
OBJECTIVE
To supply quality seed potatoes to the industry.
The purpose of certification is to certify seed potatoes of which the phyto-sanitary status in respect of diseases and pests falls within predetermined norms and which is true to type.
FOCAL POINTS
The focal points of the Scheme entail:
1. Certification of seed potatoes that complies with specific quality standards for each generation within the Scheme.
2. Multiplication of disease-free in vitro material (test tube plants) as starting material.
3. The production of Generation 0 seed (mini tubers) in accredited greenhouses with zero tolerance for diseases.
4. Distinct identification of generations 0 to 8.
5. Dual phasing-out of planting material.
6. Downgrading of planting material.
7. Promotion of the use of early generation planting material.
ADDRESSES
WEB
Head Office
Private Bag X135, PRETORIA, 0001
Tel: +27 (12) 349 1910 Fax: +27 (12) 349 1909
Piketberg
PO Box 226, PIKETBERG, 7320
Tel: +27 (22) 913 1508 Fax: +27 (22) 913 1408
Douglas
PO Box 348, DOUGLAS, 8730
Tel: +27 (53) 298 1494 Fax: +27 (53) 298 1149
Pietermaritzburg
PO Box 43, MKONDENI, 3212
Tel: +27 (33) 386 8961 Fax: +27 (33) 386 8959
Middelburg
Postnet Suite 262, Private Bag X1866,
MIDDELBURG, 1070
Tel: +27 (13) 245 2303 Fax: +27 (086) 685 6513
Christiana
PO Box 56, CHRISTIANA, 2680
Tel: +27 (53) 441 3545 Fax: +27 (53) 441 3546
MODUS OPERANDI
The following consecutive processes precede certification:
1. Timely registration of the unit after establishment.
2. Two field inspections to evaluate the occurrence of diseases and variety purity.
3. Sampling to test for viruses and bacterial wilt at registered laboratories.
4. Tuber inspections for the determination of the phyto-sanitary status in respect of tuber-borne diseases.
5. Certification of seed potatoes, which is confirmed by means of self-sealing labels.
6. Post-control samples are drawn at the time of tuber inspections for the confirmation of the virus content and variety purity.
AUTHORITY AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHEME
The South African Seed Potato Certification Scheme functions under the Plant Improvement Act, 1976 (Act No. 53 of 1976).
The Independent Certification Council for Seed Potatoes (ICCSP) is designated as the authority, which exercises the powers, performs the functions and carries out the duties conferred upon, assigned to or imposed upon the authority under the Scheme.
The Council is comprised of democratically elected seed potato growers representing each seed production area, elected table growers, the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Council, a representative of the Nuclear Material Production Forum, the Manager of Potato Laboratory Services and the Chief Executive Officer of Potato Certification Service. The Council is chaired by an independent Executive Chairman elected by the seed potato growers serving on the Council.
Potato Certification Service is contracted by the ICCSP to manage the South African Seed Potato Certification Scheme.
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