Certification Manual

Seed Source Certification Manual by Ontario’s Natural Selection

Ontario’s Natural Selections is a voluntary certification program for woody species. Seed and plants sold under this label are certified by the Forest Gene Conservation Association (FGCA) to be from the source identified on the label. The consumer can then decide how appropriate it is for their planting project. We hope this program will help plantings in south-central Ontario survive and thrive to provide the many benefits we expect from our forests – both rural and urban. It is a 3 part program. The FGCA will

1. educate consumers about successful planting practices, of which source-identified seed is a start – contact the FGCA for copies of posters and brochures.
2. encourage seed collectors and growers to supply and market high quality source-identified seed and stock, and
3. administer the program with a system of documentation, registration, inspection and auditing.

The FGCA launched the program in the fall of 2000, with workshops to certify seed collectors. The next step is to certify seed, seed processors, growers and seedlings.