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PI-009: Seed Potato Tuber Inspection
Inspection Procedure

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4rd Revision

Table of Contents

Contact

The Contact for the review of this document will be the National Manager of the Potato Section, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Review

The inspection procedure – seed potato tuber shall be reviewed every 3 years, or as required by the Potato Section. The next review date is August, 2017.

Endorsement

Approved by:

espace
Project Coordinator, Quality System Document Committee

espace
(date)

espace
Chief Plant Health Officer

espace
(date)

Amendment Record

Amendments to this document will be given consecutive numbers. Amendments to this document will be posted on the CFIA Intranet. With hardcopy documents, insert all amendments, remove obsolete pages and ensure the record below is completed.

Amendment Record
Number of amendment: Amended by: Date of submission for approval: Summary of amendment and number of amended section(s):
4 Peter Volney Feb, 2015
  • Removed all references to export to the United States and phytosanitary certification.
  • Removed Appendix 2, US Export Tolerances for Potato Viruses that Cause Tuber Necrosis
  • Changed the references to the Seed Potato Quality Management Program (SPQMP) to Seed Potato Tuber Quality Management Program (SPTQMP) to reflect the name change in the program.
  • Removed Section 7 Phytosanitary Certification
  • Separated remaining appendices (1, 2, 11, 14, 15, 16 & 17) from the body of the PI-009 so all appendices will appear separately on the web site.
  • Section 4.1 updated the sampling procedure to provide additional details on how a sample should be drawn.
  • Appendix 2A transferred the inspection flow chart from the D-06-04 to the PI-009 and introduced a simplified version of the flow chart.
  • Appendix 2B introduced a new inspection flow chart to provide additional detail to growers and designated representatives.
  • Appendix 14 introduced new Inspection Report form for growers and designated representatives
  • Section 4.1 provided additional detail on the tuber sampling procedure.
  • Appendix 11 changed the procedure for determining if the size requirements are met for a lot.
  • Section 7.3 added the forms in the directive D-06-04 used for the SPTQMP
  • Appendix 8 removed references to the United States
  • Section 7.2.1 Transferability of a Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes was added
  • Minor editorial changes were made throughout the document to improve clarity

Distribution

The most up to date version of this document will be maintained on the CFIA external website and distributed to participants in the SPTQMP. In addition, the signed original will be maintained in the Directors office and the master electronic copy will be kept in RDIMS.

Introduction

Once a seed potato crop has been entered into the Canadian Seed Potato Certification Program it is inspected to determine regulatory compliance with the standards outlined in the Seeds Regulations Part II, under the authority of the Seeds Act. Inspection is comprised of both field inspection of the growing crop and tuber inspection of graded seed potatoes. This Inspection Procedure (PI) covers tuber inspections and has been developed to provide guidance to growers and designated representatives participating in the Seed Potato Tuber Quality Management Program (SPTQMP) as well as CFIA inspectors conducting SPTQMP audit.

Inspectors must consult chapter 8 & 9 of the Seed Potato Inspection Manual (PI-005) for inspections conducted by the CFIA on shipments that are not eligible to be shipped under the SPTQMP.

Packagers must not be involved in the packaging of table or processing potatoes produced by a non-seed grower unless all the equipment used in transporting, handling and packaging the potatoes has been cleaned and disinfected under the supervision of a CFIA inspector. The CFIA inspector witnessing the cleaning and disinfection must issue a Disinfection Report (CFIA/ACIA 2415) before seed potatoes are received by the packing facility.

If a facility wishes to pack seed potatoes and pack non-seed potatoes at the same time, there must be proper segregation at all times between the seed and non-seed potatoes and the measures used to segregate the potatoes must be approved by the CFIA. All equipment used in transporting, handling and packaging the potatoes must be segregated and must be cleaned and disinfected under the supervision of a CFIA inspector prior to its use for seed potatoes. If proper segregation is not maintained between seed and non-seed potatoes at all times during the process the seed lots handled by the facility may lose their certification as seed.

An inspector must issue a Certification of Authorization (CFIA\ACIA 4378) for domestic shipments of non-registered varieties sold in bags. The producer is responsible for labelling the bags or containers of the non-registered variety; the minimum requirements for these labels are that they list grower or farm unit name, variety, class and certification number.

Scope

This procedure is intended to provide guidance in the inspection of graded seed potato tubers to determine if the seed potato tubers are within the tolerances for size, defects and varietal mixtures as per the Seeds Regulations Part II. It explains the process for identifying, scoring and recording defects, such that the efficiency of the grading operation may be evaluated, allowing the inspector or the participant in the SPTQMP to ultimately determine product acceptability. Other topics covered include packaging, repackaging requirements and documents used in the seed potato certification program.

1.0 References

Potato Field Guide, Insects, Diseases and Defects, Publication 823, Eugenia Banks, 2004, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Queens Printer for Ontario, Toronto, Ontario.
Seeds Act
Seeds Regulations Part II - Seed Potatoes
PI-005 – Seed Potato Inspection Manual
D-06-04 – Seed Potato Tuber Quality Management Program (SPTQMP)

2.0 Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms

Definitions for terms can be found in the Plant Health Glossary of Terms.

3.0 Regulatory Tolerances for Seed Potato Tubers

Appendix 1 lists tolerances for size, defects and varietal mixtures as stipulated in the Section 48 of the Seeds Regulations Part II. All classes of seed potatoes, with the exception of Nuclear Stock class, must be graded to meet the regulatory requirements in Section 48 of the Seeds Regulations Part II. In the case of potato eyes and cut-seed pieces, tubers must meet the grade tolerance prior to cutting. Depending on the nature of the defect, there may be an increased tolerance at the destination over the shipping point. Defects are generally classed as either permanent or conditional defects as explained in section 3.1.

There may be special circumstances where there is an overall shortage of a specific variety or class of seed potatoes and a lot of such a variety or class of seed potatoes does not meet the standards set out in the Seeds Regulations Part II, due to the existence of a single mechanical or physiological defect that cannot be graded easily to the standard without significant loss. In this situation potatoes may be inspected under the SPTQMP, however, the seed potatoes can only be sold within Canada based on a purchaser's agreement and may only move if the CFIA issues a Special Permission for Sale of Seed Potatoes Not Eligible for Official Tags (CFIA/ACIA1278) to the grower. Growers must contact their local office to request issuance of this type of permit under these circumstances.

This permit is only for a single mechanical or physiological defect and cannot be used in conjunction with a shipment of seed potatoes that are over tolerance for any disease caused by a pathogen, e.g. scab, Rhizoctonia, silver scurf, black dot, dry rot, wet rot, etc. In addition, growers must comply with regulatory requirements for Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus, the bacterial pathogen that causes bacterial ring rot (BRR), testing as per Seeds Regulations Part II and directive D-97-12 Seed potato certification program – Bacterial ring rot testing program for field grown seed potatoes.

3.1 Defects

Permanent defects do not progress over time; they are consistent from shipping point to destination. Examples of permanent defects include, but are not limited to: insect injury, grass root injury, growth cracks, hollow heart, mechanical damage (e.g. digger cuts), Rhizoctonia, scab, russetting, skin spot, and sunburn.

Condition defects may progress during transit and reflect the perishable nature of seed potatoes. At shipping point, these defects may not be present or may not be evident, but as the potatoes are handled during shipment, or over time, they may be subjected to conditions which allow symptom expression in excess of permitted tolerances. At destination, some of these defects are provided with increased tolerances to allow for the potential of disease development in transit. Examples of condition defects include: blackleg, blight, air cracks, bruises, soft and dry rot, external discolouration, internal discolouration, freezing and chilling injuries, greening, silver scurf, skin cracks, spraingFootnote 1, and sprouts.

Quarantine pests and regulated non-quarantine pests: A quarantine pest is a pest of potential economic importance to the area endangered thereby and not yet present there, or present but not widely distributed and being officially controlled (International Plant Protection Convention – International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures – (ISPM) No. 5). Examples of quarantine pests of potato in Canada include the causal agents for Potato Wart, Brown Rot and the Golden Nematode. There may be pests of economic importance which are regulated, but not on the quarantine pest list. Examples of regulated non-quarantine potato pests for Canada are the causal agents for Bacterial Ring Rot (BRR) and Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid; these agents have a zero tolerance in the Canadian Seed Potato Certification System, Rhizoctonia, Scab, Wet rot Dry Rot, etc. which have specified tolerances. See appendix 1 Standards for Tubers – Seeds Regulations Part II.

3.2 Varietal Purity

Seed potato tubers in a certified lot are required to be true to variety, with an increased tolerance for foreign tubers (i.e., tubers that are not of the variety being inspected) in seed lots of the lower generation classes. Any tuber of a variety other than that declared as the lot variety, which is found during the inspection of selected samples must be scored as "foreign". The percentage of "foreign" tubers in a lot shall not exceed the percentage permitted for that class as per the Seeds Regulations Part II (refer to Appendix 1 for tolerances).

Note: Varietal characteristics, fluctuations in growing conditions and growing seasons may affect tuber shape (round, oval, long, oblong, elliptical, etc.). Tuber shape may also vary if the potatoes are harvested early. For example, small long types are often round when dug before full maturity.

3.3 Tuber Cleanliness

The Seeds Regulations Part II specifies that no seed tubers shall be washed. This is intended to prevent the establishment of a suitable environment for the development of pathogenic organisms such as bacteria and fungi. If the potatoes have been washed, they are no longer eligible for certification as seed potatoes in Canada. Brushing the tubers is allowed, and when it is performed properly, it does not provide for a suitable environment for disease development.

Tuber cleanliness and freedom from excess soil is a serious issue, both domestically and for many importing countries, since soil can vector many disease pathogens of quarantine significance. Although many countries have strict tolerances for adhering soil, in the Seeds Regulations Part II, there are no set tolerances for soil. However, a grower or his representative should pay special attention to excessive soil presence and, whenever possible, measures should be taken to maintain soil presence below 1%, by weight.

4.0 Tuber Inspection Procedures

Methods for sampling and evaluating tubers are detailed in this section. Detailed information and visual aids to assist in evaluating the tuber diseases, defects and conditions to the required tolerances are found as appendices to this manual.

Presence of soil can interfere with the accuracy of an inspection. Therefore, it is necessary for selected tubers to be sufficiently clean to allow for a visual inspection to be performed. An accurate assessment of a graded shipment cannot be made during an inspection until excess soil is removed from the tubers.

In the case of shipments bound for other international destinations, country-specific tolerances for the presence of soil may apply. It falls under the responsibility of CFIA staff to assess the compliance of a seed potato shipment against the importing countries' requirements.

4.1 Inspection Frequency and Sampling Rates

Tuber samples must be collected so that they are representative of the entire volume being sampled. All shipments under the SPTQMP shall be inspected at the rate outlined in the Appendix 2A. For a shipment to qualify for the reduced sampling rate (0.1% by weight or 250 Tubers), a commercial sized shipment from the same lot must have been inspected and have met the tuber standard within the last 30 days. If no other shipment from the lot has been inspected and met the tuber standard within the last 30 days the sampling rate is 0.5% by weight or 1000 tubers. Any shipment of one MT or greater can be considered a commercial sized shipment.

Tuber inspections not eligible under the SPTQMP must be inspected by the CFIA as per chapter 8 of the Seed Potato Inspection Manual (PI-005) and this document.

The grower or designated representative must choose a method for determining how large a sample to gather, either the percentage by weight or tuber count. A sampling strategy ensures a representative sample is obtained and reflects the total graded shipment. The ideal sample should be randomly selected, accurate, repeatable, and must be randomly drawn from across the entire volume being sampled. The method for drawing the sample will differ between facilities depending on operational practices.

The person taking the sample should take the total sample as a series of sub-samples from a minimum of five points across the total volume being sampled. If a sub-sample container (e.g. a 5 gallon plastic bucket or a wire basket) is being used, once the container has been filled, the contents should be counted or weighed to determine the number of sub-samples needed to equal the total sample required.

Example; If the sub-sample container holds 50 tubers, a total of 20 sub-samples would be required for a 1000 tuber total sample. Weigh the tubers in several of the 50 tuber sub-samples to determine an average kg/sub-sample in order to calculate percentages of oversize and undersized.

While counting tubers to obtain the required sample size as per Seed Potato Tuber Quality Management Program D-06-04, one can evaluate and set aside diseased and defective tubers as detailed in section 4.2.

4.2 Evaluating and Scoring Tuber Samples

In preparation for inspection, assemble any required inspection materials i.e. knives, tuber sizers with square openings, scales, gloves, disinfectant, hand sprayers, etc. Inspection requires detailed examination of a sample of tubers and should be done on a hand rack or grading table in an area with adequate lighting for the evaluation process. Adequate lighting for visual inspection is generally quantified as a minimum of 540 lux. In order to evaluate the adequacy of the lighting, consider that 540 lux is the midrange of acceptable lighting for an office environment, and that under which one can comfortably read finely printed text. 540 lux is the equivalent to the light produced by 3 clear 100 watt incandescent light bulbs spaced 50 cm apart and placed 1 meter above the grading surface or two 48 inch 40 watt fluorescent bulbs in a standard fixture with a reflector placed horizontally 1 meter above the grading surface.

Assess the lot for compliance with Section 48 of the Seeds Regulations, Part II (see Appendix 1). From here on in Section 48 of the Seeds Regulations, Part II will be referred to as the tuber standard. The flow chart in Appendix 2B details the various steps involved in the inspection process and should be referred to in conjunction with this section.

Calculate total counts and percentages for each defect and compare with the tuber standard tolerance to determine if the lot meets the tuber standard. If the sample exceeds the tolerance for any of the categories, proceed to either resample a greater sample size, or re-grade the shipment as required. For details on re-sampling, growers or designated representatives should consult Appendix 2A for requirements. Under no circumstances a shipment not meeting the tuber standard tolerance for defects and conditions should be allowed to proceed with tags or a RBM under the SPTQMP.

4.3 Sampling and Cutting Procedure for Internal Necrosis

In order to assess tuber samples against the tolerance for internal necrosis a sub-sample of tubers must be cut and examined internally. In drawing the sub-sample as described below, no tuber shall be scored for defects twice. Stem end discolouration is entered in box 21 of the Tuber Inspection Report CFIA ACIA 3076. If internal discolouration and stem-end discolouration are found they are scored under stem end discolouration and damage.

4.4 Method of Cutting to Determine Depth of Penetration

The scoring of some internal and external tuber defects is dependent on the depth of penetration into the tuber. In some cases when a defect penetrates into the flesh, it is implied that the defect is of a more serious nature and should be rated accordingly. The procedure for determining the depth of penetration is to first make a straight cut at 6 mm deep across the potato from the external surface of the defect, to remove all or most of the surface damage. If the damage is still present in the tuber flesh, then cut another 7 mm off the tuber (a total of 13 mm between the 2 cuts) to determine the full extent of the damage. The depth of penetration is a general indication of the severity of the defect and where it is scored. An example of this is stem end discolouration which is only scored if penetrates the flesh more than 6 mm and less than 13 mm. If the stem end discolouration penetrates less than 6 mm it is not scored for stem end discolouration. If the defect is greater than 13 mm in depth the tuber is scored under internal discolouration.

Method of Cutting to Determine Depth of Penetration
< 6 mm 6 mm to 13 mm >13 mm
not scored stem end discoloration internal discolouration

5.0 Packaging and Repackaging Requirements

When potatoes are not shipped in bulk, they are packed in various types of containers such as jute or woven poly sacks, crates, barrels, cartons and totes. Section 54 of the Seeds Regulations Part II specifies packaging and marking requirements for seed potatoes. Seed potatoes may be repackaged for a variety of reasons such as resale for home or garden use; Section 55 of the Seeds Regulations Part II, specifies requirements for the repackaging of seed potatoes.

An inspector must issue a Certification of Authorization for any domestic shipment of non-registered varieties sold in bulk.

5.1 Packages

There are no standard container sizes for seed potatoes. However, shipments usually occur in the following unit sizes:

All seed potatoes sold in packages shall be packed in containers that meet all of the following conditions:

  1. Contain not less than 20 kgFootnote 2,
  2. Are new,
  3. Are closed after packaging,
  4. Bear no markings that refer to non-certified potatoes or are likely to result in the potatoes being mixed with or mistaken for any potatoes other than certified seed potatoes,
  5. Have a Seed Potato Certification Tag (one of the following: CFIA 1370, 2111, 2113) attached to each container or a Certification of Authorization (CFIA/ACIA 4378) in the case of unregistered varieties.

The CFIA recommends that conveyance (truck bed, trailer, etc.) used to transport the bagged seed potatoes be cleaned and disinfected with a pest control product that is effective in the control of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus prior to loading.

5.2 Bulk

Records of Bulk Movement (RBM) for Seed Potatoes (CFIA/ACIA 2343) are used to document the movement of seed potato shipments in bulk. The RBMs can be used to document the domestic bulk shipments of registered varieties. When multiple lots are shipped in a single bulk load a grower supplied label meeting the requirements specified below, must be securely affixed to each of the containers, to assist in lot identification for bulk containers such as mini-totes. Except if otherwise stated, a RBM must accompany every shipment.

Note: For domestic shipments moving within the province where the seed lot was produced, a single RBM may be issued for the total volume of a seed lot delivered to a single consignee within a seven day period. The grower or designated representative must provide the consignee within their province with a RBM within seven days of the initial shipment that is covered by the RBM or earlier if requested by the CFIA.

All labels used to identify bulk containers in a shipment must have the following information clearly printed on it;

  1. Grower or Farm Unit name
  2. Variety
  3. Class
  4. Certification number

Bulk containers that are not new must be washed and disinfected with a disinfectant registered in Canada to be used for the pathogen that causes Bacterial Ring Rot (BRR) (as per the Seeds Regulations Part II, Section 56 (4) (f), "grower's declaration" relating to bulk shipments). Growers who choose to wash and reuse bulk tote bags or containers must submit in writing to the CFIA details of the cleaning and disinfection protocol they intend to follow for approval. The local CFIA staff will review the protocol to determine whether the risk of spread for potato pests is sufficiently mitigated by the proposed protocol.

Prior to loading, the conveyance (truck bed, trailer, etc.) used to transport the seed potatoes in tote bags must be cleaned and disinfected with a pest control product that is effective in the control of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus.

5.3 Repackaging

Seed potatoes which are packaged under Section 54 of the Seeds Regulations, Part II, (as detailed in section 5.1) may be repackaged. When requested by a packer, the CFIA may issue a Permit Relating to Packing of Seed Potatoes (CFIA/ACIA 1347) which allows for the repackaging of seed potatoes in containers that contain less than 20 kg. Several containers are used for sale for home garden use.

These include:

When a request for a permit has been received, a CFIA inspector will arrange for a time to meet with the packer and conduct a facility inspection. The following elements will be considered:

If conditions are met to the satisfaction of a CFIA inspector and a Disinfection Report (CFIA/ACIA 2415) has been issued, a Permit Relating to Packing of Seed Potatoes (CFIA/ACIA 1347) will be issued by the CFIA. A Permit Relating to Packing of Seed Potatoes (CFIA/ACIA 1347) is valid for a maximum of one year. Seed potatoes must be repackaged in new containers. Official seed potato tags are not issued by the CFIA for seed potatoes packaged in containers less than 20 kg but the containers must be clearly labelled to show:

There is no provision in the Seeds Regulations for the repackaging of Nuclear Stock class seed potatoes.

Seed potatoes which are imported from the US to be repackaged must meet the import requirements as defined in the Plant Protection Act, the Plant Protection Regulations and directive D-98-01: Import Requirements for Seed Potatoes and Other Potato Propagative Material

If seed potatoes are imported from the US for the purpose of repackaging, they must meet the Canadian repackaging requirements, be repackaged in new containers and labelled to show:

6.0 Requesting a Reinspection of a Shipment

Any person who receives a shipment of seed potatoes whether they are a seed potato grower or not, may request that CFIA conduct a reinspection of a shipment as per paragraph 60.1(2) of the Seeds Regulations Part II.

The request for re-inspection must be made to the CFIA within two working days of receipt of the shipment in question. Individuals who receive seed potatoes are encouraged to examine each shipment closely upon receipt and contact the local CFIA office within the specified timeframe if it is suspected that the shipment does not comply with the tuber grade sizes, tuber standards or packaging requirements.

7.0 Documents Used in the Seed Potato Certification Program

Section 7.3 is a comprehensive list of forms used in the SPTQMP; some of these forms shall be issued exclusively by the CFIA. Under the Seed Potato Tuber Quality Management Program (SPTQMP), growers will record tuber inspection results on the Seed Potato Tuber Inspection Report (Appendix 14), and may issue both Seed Potato Certification Tags (CFIA/ACIA 1370, 2111, 2113), and Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes (CFIA/ACIA 2343), as detailed in section 7.1 and 7.2. Growers under the SPTQMP should consult D-06-04 for instructions and information on obtaining required seed potato certification documents from their local CFIA inspection office.

It should be noted that if seed potatoes are sold in bulk for the purpose of packaging and resale, they are not required to be graded when a Permit for Bulk Movement of Seed Potatoes for Packaging and Resale (CFIA/ACIA 4383) has been issued to a grower by the CFIA. Instead, the packager must perform the grading prior to packaging and document issuance before resale or delivery to another farm unit. Before the originating farm unit participating in the SPTQMP may ship un-graded potatoes to another farm unit participating in the SPTQMP the grower from the originating licensed farm unit must have a Permit for Bulk Movement of Seed Potatoes for Packaging and Resale (CFIA/ACIA 4383) and list the other farm unit as a designated representative under the SPTQMP.

7.1 Seed Potato Certification Tags

Seed Potato Certification Tags (CFIA/ACIA 1370, 2111, 2113) (tags) are used to identify shipments in packages greater than 20 kg and they are only used for registered varieties shipped domestically or any variety shipped to internationally. Prior to affixing tags to any container, the grower or the designated representative is responsible for verifying that the tubers in the container meet the tuber standards under the Seeds Regulations Part II. Tags provide a record to the purchaser of the variety and class of seed purchased and are used as proof for re-certification purposes, or other purposes as required under the authority of the Seeds Act or Provincial regulations.

Every certification tag shall contain the following information;

Additionally seed tags must contain the declaration below as specified in section 53.5(e) of the Seeds Regulations Part II. This is pre-printed directly on the reverse side of the tags:

"THE GROWER declares that the seed potatoes contained in this shipment are from the crop for which a crop certificate was issued bearing the crop certificate number shown on this tag and that they are graded in accordance with section 48 and subsections 48.1(2) to (10) of the Seeds Regulations.

A request for re-inspection of the seed potato lot may be made to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency within two working days after receipt of the lot.

NOTE: Inspection for the purpose of certification was made either visually or through laboratory testing of samples, or both. Certification does not constitute a warranty, by either the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or the grower, that the seed potatoes meet the applicable standards set out in sections 47.11 to 47.8 of the Seeds Regulations."

Sample seed potato certification tags for Elite (CFIA/ACIA 2113), Foundation (CFIA/ACIA 1370), and Certified (CFIA/ACIA 2111) classes are found in Appendix 12.

7.2 Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes (CFIA/ACIA 2343)

A Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes (CFIA/ACIA 2343) (RBM) is used to identify certified seed potatoes shipped in bulk as well as seed potatoes shipped in mini bulk/tote bags. If multiple lots are shipped in a single bulk load, a grower supplied tag meeting the requirements specified below, must be securely affixed to each of the containers, to assist in lot identification for bulk containers such as mini-totes. For more information on labelling requirements of tote bags, see section 5.1.1. Prior to RBM issuance, it must be verified that seed tubers meet the tuber tolerances under the Seeds Regulations Part II and they are not of an unregistered variety when shipped domestically. The RBM is a controlled document which provides proof of a lot's certification origin, and is used for recertification purposes, or other purposes as required under the authority of the Seeds Act or Provincial regulations.

Every RBM shall contain the following information;

Before the RBMs are completed they must be kept under the secure control of the grower or designated representative(s) and must not be made available to any party other than the CFIA.

Additionally the RBM must contain the declaration below as specified in section 53.5(e) of the Seeds Regulations Part II. This is pre-printed directly on the RBM certificate.

"THE GROWER declares that the seed potatoes contained in this shipment are from the crop for which a crop certificate was issued bearing the crop certificate number shown on this record of bulk movement and that they are graded in accordance with section 48 and subsections 48.1(2) to (10) of the Seeds Regulations.

THE GROWER declares that the vehicle carrying this shipment was disinfected, before loading, with a control product registered under the Pest Control Products Act for use against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus.

A request for re-inspection of the seed potato lot may be made to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency within two working days after receipt of the lot.

NOTE: Inspection for the purpose of certification was made either visually or through laboratory testing of samples, or both. Certification does not constitute a warranty, by either the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or the grower, that the seed potatoes meet the applicable standards set out in sections 47.11 to 47.8 of the Seeds Regulations."

A sample Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes (CFIA/ACIA 2343) is found as Appendix 16.

7.2.1 Transferability of a Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes

Section 56(5) of the Seeds Regulations Part II states that, "a Record of Bulk Movement is not transferable." This means that if a shipment of potatoes is moving under a RBM the shipment must go to the location stated as the purchaser (consignee). If the shipment covered by the RBM is being transferred to another location other than the stated purchaser and traceability of the shipment has been maintained, the RBM must be returned to the seller and a new RBM must be issued stating the name and address of the new location.

Note: The RBM cannot be withheld by the seller for any reason once movement has been completed for any amount of seed.

7.3 Forms Used by Growers Participating in the SPTQMP

The following is an alphabetical list of forms used by growers participating in the SPTQMP.

Application for a Licence to Use Seed Potato Certification Tags and Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes (Appendix 1, D-06-04)
This form is used by a grower to apply for the SPTQMP and to request changes to conditions of the grower's licence.

Designated Representatives List- SPTQMP (Appendix 2, D-06-04)
This form is used by growers to designate representatives under the SPTQMP and notify the CFIA that an individual has been identified as a designated representative.

Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes (CFIA/ACIA 2343)
A certificate issued by the grower, designated representative participating in the SPTQMP or a CFIA inspector authorizing the sale and transport of seed potatoes in bulk. This form is used to permit movement of graded registered varieties within Canada and all varieties for export.

Request for Seed Potato Certification Tags or Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes (Appendix 4, D-06-04)
This form is used by growers and designated representatives participating in the SPTQMP to request tags or Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes certificates from the CFIA. The growers and designated representatives may use their own forms to request tags as long as they meet the requirements of the CFIA.

Seed Potato Certification Tags: Elite (CFIA/ACIA 2113), Foundation (CFIA/ACIA 1370), Certified (CFIA/ACIA 2111)
Certificates that are issued by the grower, designated representative participating in the SPTQMP or a CFIA inspector and are attached to containers of seed potatoes greater than 20 kg to identify class, variety and lot.

Seed Potato Tuber Inspection Report (CFIA/ACIA 3076 / Appendix 14)
Used with all tuber inspections by CFIA inspectors and growers or designated representatives participating in the SPTQMP to record the tuber conditions of the lot being assessed. The growers and designated representatives may use other forms to record the tuber inspection results as long as they meet the requirements of the CFIA. CFIA inspectors may only use the Seed Potato Tuber Inspection Report CFIA 3076 to record inspection results. Also, additional information and observations such as maps, diagrams, and narrative descriptions should also be noted on the Seed Potato Tuber Inspection Report CFIA 3076 form during harvest/bin inspections and re-inspections.

Shipment Record Log -Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes: SPTQMP (Appendix 6, D-06-04)
This form is used by growers and designated representatives participating in the SPTQMP to keep track of the issuance of Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes under a grower's licence. Growers and designated representatives may develop their own shipment record log to record the required information as long as they meet the requirements of the CFIA.

Shipment Record Log- Seed Potato Certification Tags: SPTQMP (Appendix 5, D-06-04)
This form is used by growers and designated representatives participating in the SPTQMP to keep track of the issuance of tags under a grower's licence. Growers and designated representatives may develop their own shipment record log to record the required information as long as they meet the requirements of the CFIA.

7.4 Forms Issued by CFIA inspectors in Relation to the SPTQMP

The following is an alphabetical list of forms used by CFIA inspectors in relation to the SPTQMP.

Audit Report: SPTQMP
This form is used by CFIA inspectors to record the details of audit findings for farms participating in the SPTQMP.

Certification of Authorization (CFIA/ACIA 4378)
This form is issued by a CFIA inspector; it permits the movement, between farm units in Canada, of seed potatoes of a non-registered variety for which a crop certificate has been issued.

Corrective Action Request: SPTQMP
This form is issued by inspectors to document deficiencies in the application of the SPTQMP on a farm unit and to ask a grower to correct the identified deficiency. Growers may use this form to respond to the inspector's request for a corrective action.

Disinfection Report (CFIA/ACIA 2415)
This report is issued by a CFIA inspector to document the disinfection of equipment at a farm or a facility handling seed potatoes.

Growing Crop Certificate (CFIA/ACIA 1318)
This certificate is issued by the CFIA when an inspector certifies a seed potato crop. This certificate specifies the variety, class, area, and the certification number of every lot certified as seed potato on the farm unit. This is a single document to grant certification on all crops meeting the class standard for each applicant.

Licence to Use Seed Potato Certification Tags and Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes
A licence issued by a CFIA inspector authorizing the use of Seed Potato Certification Tags and Record of Bulk Movement Certificates. The licence also states the conditions that the grower must follow when using Seed Potato Certification Tags and Record of Bulk Movement Certificates.

Notification of a Change in the Status of a Licence to Use Seed Potato Certification Tags and Record of Bulk Movement for Seed Potatoes
This form is issued by a CFIA inspector to notify applicants and participants of changes in their licence status or the denial of a licence application.

Permit for Bulk Movement of Seed Potatoes for Packaging and Resale (CFIA/ACIA 4383)
A permit issued by a CFIA inspector authorizing the movement of seed potatoes that are sold in bulk for the purpose of packaging and resale and are not required to be graded by the grower. The packager must do the grading prior to packaging and resale.

Permit Relating to Packing of Seed Potatoes (CFIA/ACIA 1347)
A permit issued by a CFIA inspector authorizing the packing and repackaging of seed potatoes.

Special Permission for Sale of Seed Potatoes not Eligible for Official Tags (CFIA/ACIA 1278)
A document issued by a CFIA inspector granting permission to a seed potato grower for the sale of seed potatoes of any class having a single defect or damage in excess of established tuber standard. These defects are limited to mechanical and physiological tuber damage. This option should be only used for sales of seed within Canada and for varieties in short supply or other special situations, as determined and approved by the CFIA.

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