The following are guidelines for companies participating in MCIA’svoluntary Non-GMOGrain Traceability Program. Please review these guidelines prior to applying for this program.

REFERENCES

You should refer to the following references for program requirements and fees related to the program.

a)Non-GMO Grain Traceability Standards

b)Non-GMO Grain Traceability Fee Schedule

c)Non-GMO Grain Traceability Application

d)MCIA Approved Seed Conditioner Requirements

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) is required. If you are not currently a member of MCIA, complete and submit the application for membership form along with the annual membership fee ($50) to MCIA. You must also be a MCIA Approved Facility. Information can be found on the MCIA website at

REQUIREMENTS

  1. Quality Management System

Quality manual: a manual or set of written documents describing the company’s general Non-GMO grain traceability program procedures.

Quality objective: A short statement of company quality goals.

Document control: Describe method used to track changes to program documents.

  1. Crop Production and Handling Requirements
  1. Grower Requirements

Required documents include grower training process. This should include all training materials, contracts, and records supporting the grower training and expectations.

  1. Seed Standards

Seed used to produce the grain needs to be tracked. Required documents include: List of varieties or brands you want included in the program, lot number(s) used for each variety or brand, and the type and results of all non-GMO test(s) completed on each lot. Proof of seed source means a tag, invoice, or bulk certificate identifying the variety and lot number of all seed used.

  1. Field Standards

Grain production sites must be identified. Required information for each field should include: assigned field number, map of each field, variety and seed lot number used on each field, acres planted, previous crop including GMO status of that crop, andisolation information from any GMO crops adjacent to field(s).

  1. Field inspections

Fields must be observed during the growing season. Pre-harvest inspections are highly recommended. Documentation of field inspections includes: name of inspector(s), types of training received, and training completion status. Field inspection results should include: field location and acres, varietal purity counts, other crop notes and any comments about possible GMO volunteer crops, isolation confirmation, and general field comments.

  1. Harvest, storage and Handling

Harvest information should be kept by the grower and submitted to the company. Required information shall include estimated or actual amounts harvested, records and identity of on-farm bins used to store grain, documentation of bin clean-outs, and record of grain movement from farm to an approved facility.

  1. Conditioning at MCIA approved Facility.

Further conditioning and packaging must be done at a MCIA approved conditioning or MCIA Approved IP facility. Out of state approval may be granted if the facility is inspected by the AOSCA agency in that state. Approvals include: which staff are approved to do activities such as cleaning equipment, sampling, calibrating equipment, and labeling. Plant inspections should include: list of equipment used to move/condition grain, packaging records, sampling records and physical sample storage. If product is moved to on-site storage prior to conditioning, bin site records must be kept.

  1. Sampling and Testing

Each lot of grain shall be sampled by a MCIA approved sampler. Each lot of grain must be tested. Tests will vary depending on contract requirements. A copy of the contract shall be submitted to MCIA. MCIA will determine:

  1. Agency approved laboratories
  2. Agency approved Non-GMO tests
  3. Other test to be determined to meet contract requirements

Test results shall be made available to MCIA upon request. Physical samples shall be kept on file for one year past shipping. A process for tracking any non-complying product must be established. Records of nonconforming product must be made available to MCIA upon request.

CERTIFICATE

Once an audit has been completed and applicant meets all program requirements, MCIA shall issue a certificate of compliance designating the company, the name of approved product(s), the non-GMO level requirement, and purchasing company.

Guidelines - Non-GMO Grain Traceability Program / Identity Preserved / Print Date: 9/18/2018
Controlled Version – 3/22/16 / Page 1 of 2 / © 2016 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association