SGS Becomes First Accredited Provider of ELISA Corn Trait Testing in Canada Strengthening Seed Diagnostics

SGS Becomes First Accredited Provider of ELISA Corn Trait Testing in Canada Strengthening Seed Diagnostics

(IN BRIEF) SGS has been authorized by Bayer Crop Science to conduct corn trait testing in Canada, providing a domestic alternative to U.S.-based laboratories. The move enables faster turnaround times, reduces logistical uncertainties, and supports more reliable decision-making for Canadian seed producers. SGS now offers both herbicide bioassay and ELISA-based trait testing, with the latter marking a significant milestone as the company becomes the only accredited provider of this service in Canada. The development strengthens the country’s seed testing capabilities and supports the efficiency and resilience of its crop science industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) BAAR, 12-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification provider, has received authorization from Bayer Crop Science to conduct corn trait testing within Canada, marking a significant step forward for the country’s seed production industry. The approval introduces a validated domestic testing option, allowing Canadian clients to avoid sending samples to the United States and enabling faster, more reliable trait verification processes.

In seed production, where timely decision-making is essential, diagnostic testing plays a crucial role in maintaining quality and operational efficiency. By expanding its capabilities in Canada, SGS aims to provide consistent and dependable testing services that support the needs of crop science companies across the country.

Previously, Canadian seed producers relied heavily on U.S.-based laboratories for corn trait diagnostics. While this approach has been standard practice, recent challenges such as shipping delays, limited visibility into sample tracking, and occasional returns have created uncertainty. These disruptions can have significant consequences when testing results are required within tight timelines.

With the new authorization in place, SGS now offers two primary types of corn trait testing in Canada. The first is herbicide bioassay testing, which evaluates herbicide resistance through controlled grow-out methods. Seeds are cultivated in a herbicide-treated medium, and the resulting seedlings are assessed after a defined period, typically around seven days, to determine resistance levels. SGS already has extensive experience conducting such tests across crops including canola, wheat, lentils, and soybeans, and has now extended this capability to corn following Bayer’s validation process.

The second offering represents a major advancement: ELISA-based trait testing for corn. This method uses enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect specific genetic traits within seeds. Given that many modern corn varieties incorporate multiple stacked traits, this type of analysis is essential for accurate verification. SGS is currently the only laboratory in Canada accredited by Bayer Crop Science to perform ELISA-based corn trait testing for its genetics.

The development is particularly relevant for Ontario, where most of Canada’s corn seed production is concentrated. By enabling domestic testing, SGS helps reduce logistical risks associated with cross-border sample transport, improving turnaround times and ensuring greater predictability in testing workflows.

SGS has leveraged its North American network to support the rollout of this service. Its laboratory in Brookings, South Dakota, which already performs similar testing, played a key role in validation and process alignment, enabling a smooth and efficient implementation in Canada.

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).

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SOURCE: SGS