Frequently Asked Questions

A U.S. Identity Preserved grain or oilseed is grown in the United States and has specific desirable traits maintained through each step of production and transportation to the end-user, using a specific, written, verifiable identity preserved system or plan. IP grains and oilseeds are segregated and can be defined by variety, type, modification, region of origin, or growing practice, assuring the product meets the buyer’s needs.

The U.S. Identity Preserved mark stands for quality, and that is assured through the great care taken by IP companies, farmers and others at every step of the IP process. Verified users of the mark agree to an eight-step Assurance Plan that ensures the integrity of their product from the seed to the end-user.

This U.S. Identity Preserved Verified Mark User ensures the following steps are taken in the IP process:

The Verified Mark User (VMU) maintains a third-party audit of its Identity Preserved Program, reviewable by a proper authority and available for review. The company has a written IP plan and follows it.

SSGA Assurance Protocol (PDF)

The Verified Mark User verifies products are traceable back to a defined point in the supply chain. Grower activities have been followed and meet the requirements of the company’s written IP program. These may include, but are not limited to: care of equipment, records, storage, maintaining identity of product, land selection, planting, growing, harvesting, handling, and/or transportation.

The Verified Mark User certifies that all field verification processes agreed with the buyer have been followed and are traceable back to a defined point in the supply chain. Field inspections include verifiable documents and procedures.

The Verified Mark User verifies seed sources, which may originate from a variety of approved means. Seed records and proof of origin must be maintained and be verifiable through program audit or inspection. Seed origin conveys an identifiable output of crop consistent with the contracted characteristic and/or varieties made in the identity preserved sales contract.

The Verified Mark User has had one or more field inspections during the growing and harvesting season to verify customer characteristic or varietal identity requirements consistent with its contract. This VMU verifies that field inspection standards required by the customer have been met. Field inspections include verifiable documents and procedures.

The Verified Mark User ensures the identity of the product, including crop year, and that the product identity is managed during handling and transportation. The product is segregated from other products, and risk of additional foreign materials throughout the handling process is greatly minimized to below contracted levels. From field to storage to processing, further to packaging and transportation to the buyer, the product is maintained under controlled conditions in such a way that the end user is assured that product retains its unique identity.

The Verified Mark User certifies chain of custody from production field to final delivery with the end user. This can be proven through verifiable record keeping and documentation available for audit review. Sampling and analysis are required at different stages to ensure the customer and seller agree on identification of the crop.

The Verified Mark User maintains all records and documents to assure the product is identifiable and clearly marked at all times – in processing, receipt, transport, and delivery. The VMU may then affix the U.S. Identity Preserved mark as set forth by the standards of use.

It is the responsibility of each participant to follow the standards and rules and report irregularities or violations to usidentitypreserved.org. Violation of the standards or misuse of U.S. Identity Preserved Assurance Plan can result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use the mark.