Author Description

The certification of the origin of Canadian forest tree seed began in 1970 under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development scheme. Responsibility for implementing the scheme in Canada was delegated to Forestry Canada and regional forestry centres were given the responsibility of administering seed certification. Certification of the physical quality of Canadian forest tree seeds under the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules has continued since 1974. This report summarizes activities before 1986; gives details on weight of seed certified by origin and tested for seed quality from 1986-90; describes Forestry Canada's participation in referee testing and liaisons with other organizations; and projects the future of seed certification in Canada. A list of Forestry Canada OECD forest tree seed certifying authorities is given by province.