The NZ Seeds Authority (NZSA) Executive has made the decision to delay the launch of the Seed Certification Information System (SCIS) for the harvest 2024 growing and harvest season.
The NZ Seeds Authority (NZSA) Executive has made the decision to delay the launch of the Seed Certification Information System (SCIS) for the harvest 2024 growing and harvest season. This is because there is no longer sufficient time for the required training and engagement of all seed growers and seed processors before harvest begins in late November this year. The delay in launch will only be for a few months, as crop entries for sowing of crops for 2025 harvest will start early next year and these will be administered in SCIS.
2024 harvest
AsureQuality will administer field inspections and issue grower declaration paperwork in the usual manner to growers for delivery of seed to processing stores at harvest. All operating processes for seed processor Ministry Approved Organisations (MAOs) will remain as status quo.
Invoicing
A significant change coming into effect in 2024 is that certification charges for certified crops from the 2024 harvest will be invoiced by the NZSA instead of AsureQuality. This is so that the NZSA can begin recovering costs for the development of SCIS and start paying back industry organisations that have provided funding for its development. This certification fee will replace the current Certification Charge and Seed Test Levy that appears on AsureQuality invoices. This charge is expected to be between 2.75c - 3c/kg for growers. The same or slightly higher charge will be applied to seed companies, following a final reconciliation of how much each sector has already contributed to SCIS development.