International Seed Network Initiative

Since seed is produced in and subject to open environments, no commercial seed is 100 percent genetically pure, whether traditional or biotech seed. With the existence of genetically enhanced crops, it is currently impossible to guarantee that traditional seed will not contain a minute level of adventitious (unintended) biotech material. Moreover, seed is destroyed in the testing process for genetic purity, therefore, only a small percentage of a seed lot can be tested. Hence, zero tolerance of adventitious biotech material, which may only be verified by testing 100 percent of a seed lot, cannot be guaranteed.

In light of this fact, a global standard of tolerance for the adventitious (unintentional) presence of biotech material in traditional seed is needed to prevent potential disruptions in domestic and international seed distribution. Recognizing this need, the International Seed Trade Federation (FIS) created the International Seed Network Initiative (ISNI) in June 1999 to establish a globally accepted tolerance level for the adventitious presence of biotech material in traditional seed. The initiative also seeks to establish standardized biotech testing protocols and an enhanced quality assurance system in seed production to minimize adventitious presence. Proposed quality assurance procedures provide for positive identification, traceability, and control of seed through each step of the production process.

The ISNI's proposed tolerance level is one percent for adventitious biotech presence in maize, cotton, soybeans, and canola. Such a threshold would help the seed industry continue to maintain the highest level of genetic seed purity possible in this age of the gene revolution.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Seed Schemes, Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies, Association of Official Seed Analysts and International Seed Testing Association have sanctioned the ISNI on an experimental, voluntary basis with interested countries.