Authorized Sampler Program

Mid-West Seed Services, Inc. (MWSS) is the only ISTA-accredited laboratory in the United States that offers authorized sampler certification for seed samplers at private companies and public agencies. Once your company sampler becomes authorized they are allowed to sample for Orange Certificates, are automatically recognized by Canada and are authorized to take samples for OECD testing. This allows your staff member to draw a sample real-time and OECD, which is very beneficial for real-time sampling and faster shipments. To learn more about having your staff trained as authorized samplers please visit the Seed Sampler section at www.mwseed.com.

Who should attend?

Seed sampling personnel, seed sampler supervisors, seed exporters, state agency samplers, seed laboratory staff, and QA managers.

What will be gained?

Participants will gain training in proper seed sampling techniques. Participants who successfully complete the course and pass the written (open book) and practical examination with an 80% score will have completed the first step required for sampling for ISTA Orange, Green Certificates and OECD certificates. The workshop will cover sampling requirements published in the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds, CFIA Canadian Methods and Procedures for Seed Testing and the ISTA International Rules for Seed Testing.

What are the requirements for an authorized sampler collecting samples for ISTA certificates issued by Mid-West Seed Services, Inc.?

1. Sampler must attend a MWSS seed sampler workshop or equivalent workshop and achieve an 80% score in examinations.

2. Sampler must draw samples in accordance with ISTA rules and complete the necessary Quality Record associated with each sampled seed lot.

3. Samplers will need to participate in seed sampling continuing education, including an approved one–day seed sampler workshop once every three years following initial authorization.

What is the advantage to my company of having an authorized sampler on staff?

1. Save time in scheduling sampling.

2. Be able to sample for Orange, Green Certificates and OECD Certificates for your export shipments, saving time and the chance of delays or returned shipments. 

3. Sample seed for OECD testing.

4. Reduce the guessing game of which set of seed testing rules to use on seed planned for export. All countries will accept Orange Certificates including Canada, Mexico, Korea, Turkey and Israel.

5. Documentation (Training Certificate) that your sampler has received third party training, which may be useful documentation for export shipment paperwork.

Can we send one person to be trained, and they in turn, train other personnel at our company to be certified samplers?

No, ISTA places the responsibility for training the samplers on laboratories. By completing training at an approved workshop and passing a written (open book) and practical test, MWSS is assured that the samplers are properly trained.
AOSA, ISTA, and Canadian sampling rules will be reviewed, as will sampling methods, sealing seed lots, subdividing samples and a review of ISTA certificates. Participants will use sampling probes, seed dividers, and calculate sampling intensities during day one. On the second day participants will take a written exam (open book) and complete a practical examination. Participants completing the workshop will be taking the first step towards accreditation to sample for ISTA certificates.
This workshop is an excellent education experience for anyone sampling seed, regardless if it’s being exported. Workshop typically concludes by noon on the second day.

Registration Fee:

$250 per person. Registrations received at least 21 days prior to first day of workshop may deduct $50 Early Registration Discount.
Space is limited.

Mid-West Seed Services, Inc.

Being an ISTA-accredited seed laboratory allows MWSS to issue ISTA Orange and Blue Certificates. The laboratory testing and authorized sampler program at MWSS are recognized by Canada and throughout the world.

Orange Certificates

MWSS can issue ISTA Orange Certificates on seed lots being exported. ISTA Orange certificates may be considered a “seed passport” because they are recognized worldwide by custom officials at the ports. Orange Certificates do require sampling by an authorized seed sampler.

Blue Certificates

Blue Certificates are especially helpful when moving seed into Canada. The agricultural border official must recognize ISTA certificates, as required by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). MWSS places the relevant grade table information in the remarks section of the Blue Certificate. The Grading Worksheet containing the seed lot’s grade is also attached, which helps expedite the seed’s movement. The MWSS seed laboratory is recognized by Canada and we are currently pursuing grader accreditation for pedigreed seed.