Identity preserved production (IP for short) is simply a method of segregating crops to ensure that the buyers get exactly the quality they need. For example, Nex 700 is kept separate to produce Natreon*, a new canola oil with important nutritional and performance advantages.

As a canola grower, you have already used IP products on your farm. For example, when you buy seed of a particular variety, you expect that it has been identity-preserved to be that variety and nothing but. In commercial farming, IP production applies similar processes.

For canola growers, that's a change from harvesting and storing all varieties together, without regard to whether Argentine, Polish, HTC, hybrid or grown from common seed. But it's a change that's vital to guaranteeing qualities that will keep canola a winner in fiercely competitive world oilseed markets, and benefit the entire canola industry.

IP production principles
Most of the things you need to do in IP production are really just good farming practice.

1. Read the contract - carefully. This is a new way of doing things, and the contract is a clear guide to what everybody needs to do to make the most of this opportunity.
   
   
2. Follow rotations. Ensure the IP crop is part of a sound agronomic rotation.
   
   
3. Observe isolations. Do not plant IP crops right next to any potential sources of genetic contamination.
   
   
4. Use the right seed. Plant only the correct variety on designated IP acres.
   
   
5. Seed clean. Before seeding an IP crop, carefully clean out your seeding equipment to minimize risk of contamination by other varieties.
   
   
6. Manage weeds. Scout your fields early so you can control weeds that could contaminate the crop through cross pollination.
   
   
7. Harvest clean. Before harvesting an IP crop, carefully clean harvesting equipment and proposed storage areas to minimize risk of contamination by other varieties.
   
   
8. Store carefully. Clearly mark IP crop bins to prevent mix-ups when the grain is delivered.
   
   
9. Deliver clean. Ensure all handling and transportation equipment is cleaned prior to loading, hauling and delivering.