As of January 2026, Bayer Crop Science has authorized SGS to conduct corn trait testing in Canada. This milestone introduces a validated testing option for our Canadian clients, reducing the need to ship samples to laboratories in the United States and enabling faster, more efficient trait verification within Canada.
In seed production, where timing and certainty are essential, trait verification and diagnostics play a critical role. At SGS, we support these needs by delivering reliable testing services that help maintain quality and confidence across the crop science industry.
In this article, originally published in Seed World Canada, Holly Gelech, Senior Business Development Manager for SGS in Canada, explains why this development matters and what it means for our Canadian clients.
Read on to learn more.
The importance of corn trait testing in Canada
For many years, Canadian seed companies have shipped corn samples to U.S. laboratories for corn seed diagnostics and trait testing. That pathway has been well established, but this season, challenges became more visible.
We heard from clients who experienced:
- Shipments stuck in transit for extended periods
- Limited visibility into sample status
- Samples being returned to sender
When trait testing results are needed to make timely decisions, even small disruptions can cause major operational issues. More importantly, it creates uncertainty. One shipment may clear quickly, while another is delayed without warning.
A Canadian solution helps reduce that unpredictability.
What SGS is now authorized to provide in Canada
The Bayer authorization includes corn trait testing in two main buckets:
1. Herbicide bioassay testing (grow-out testing)
The first bucket, herbicide bioassay testing, measures herbicide resistance through a controlled grow-out test. In this process, seeds are grown in an herbicide solution on media, and seedlings are evaluated after a set period – typically a seven-day grow-out – to quantify resistance.
This type of testing is already familiar to SGS. We conduct herbicide bioassays across multiple crops, including canola, wheat, lentils and soybeans.
For corn, the key step was completing Bayer’s required validation process and adding the crop into our service offering.
2. ELISA trait testing for corn (Bayer corn genetics)
The second bucket is a major milestone for Canada: ELISA trait testing for corn.
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) testing allows us to analyze seeds for the presence of specific traits using a biological/chemical assay. Depending on the product, trait verification may involve multiple events.
Many corn platforms include stacked traits, meaning multiple trait components may need to be confirmed as part of standard seed quality and verification processes.
What makes this especially significant is that SGS is currently the only laboratory in Canada accredited by Bayer Crop Science to conduct this ELISA-based corn trait testing.
Supporting Ontario seed corn and Canadian seed companies
Corn seed production in Canada is concentrated in Ontario. When seed samples must cross the border for testing, the process introduces logistical risk, not because delays always happen, but because when they do, the impact can be substantial.
By offering corn trait testing in Canada, SGS provides a practical advantage: improved turnaround time, reduced shipping uncertainty, and better continuity for seed diagnostics and trait verification.
Built on proven capability and North American collaboration.
Built on proven capability and North American collaboration
SGS also benefits from strong internal collaboration across North America. Our SGS laboratory in Brookings, South Dakota already performs this testing and played a key role in helping us complete validation quickly – supporting sample sets, procedures, and method alignment.
The combination of Canadian delivery backed by proven SGS capability positions us to serve clients quickly and reliably.
Find out more about our Crop Science capabilities.
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).
