FAQ

• Question : What is IntelliSeed™?

  Answer : IntelliSeed™ by AgTechnix is a frontier patent pending technology, supporting global agriculture and protecting your investment in intellectual property across a diverse spectrum of agricultural activities, including seed and plant genetics.

• Question : Why use IntelliSeed™?

  Answer : World seed sales were estimated circa $US 32 billion in 2008. In the same year it has been intimated that Pakistan’s cotton crop was 60% counterfeit seed resulting in 2.5 million bales lost in production.
  
  LAHORE, March 23: Over 60 per cent of bacillus thuringiensis (BT) cotton sown in Pakistan last year was counterfeit, claims the AgriForum Pakistan “That was why the country missed the production target by almost 2.5 million bales,” the forum believes.
  Source
  
  The use of IntelliSeed™ to identify such illegal activities has significant advantages especially where the use of IntelliSeed™ materials means minimal or no change to current seed coating practices.

• Question : How is IntelliSeed™ applied?

  Answer : IntelliSeed™ coating compounds are applied in the same manner as other seed coating materials. Discrete batch identifiers in the form of DataDots are applied as a topical application in the last phase of treatment.

• Question : What do you mean by overt and covert identifiers?

  Answer : IntelliSeed™ has a tiered system of identification. Overt identifiers are comprised of DataDots and these form the primary marker. Covert identifiers are invisible and are required to be read via a reader, these form the secondary level of identification.

• Question : Does anyone else current have access to these marker materials?

  Answer : IntelliSeed™ is unique to AgTechnix. The combination of materials used in the IntelliSeed™ application are unique to AgTechnix. The covert markers are highly specialised and are exclusive to AgTechnix.

• Question : Is there interest in the application?

  Answer : Based on market feedback in 2009 there’s no competing technology that exists at this price point and global interest has been significant.

• Question : Are all seeds coated with DataDots?

  Answer : No. Only a small batch of seed is coated with dots and these are then added back to the original seed batch.

• Question : Is it easy to find a DataDot on a seed?

  Answer : Yes. By using the field tool kit you can identify a seed batch within seconds.

• Question : Can you supply Seed coating Materials?

  Answer : Yes. AgTechnix provides a comprehensive range of technology that allows for component or comprehensive materials to be supplied to seed coaters or seed owners and in some cases farmers. Seed coating materials are available as non IntelliSeed™ coating materials.

• Question : Can you coat the seed for us?

  Answer : In some geographical locations we are able to do so. It is more likely we would licence your current coating service provider or use existing coating technology you may have access to.

• Question : Can you provide us with the equipment to apply this process?

  Answer : Yes, we have the ability to provide you with individual machines right up to turn-key solutions, and we would welcome an opportunity to quote on your needs.

• Question : Is the process expensive?

  Answer : Rates of application vary based on seed size and type of treatment. In most situations the cost will only be a few cents (per kg seed) more than current material costs. There is a license fee to access the technology by species. There is also an annual cost to hire the readers.

• Question : Can I buy the readers?

  Answer : No. In order for us to update the technology with little impact to the end user we hire the units. Software upgrades and technology jumps are to be expected and are essential if we are to deliver you a highly desirable level of service.

• Question : Is Intelliseed™ available now?

  Answer : IntelliSeed™ trial materials are available now for a small cost. The cost is deliberate as we can’t be expected to maintain 1000’s of samples on a global scale. The cost of samples will be deducted directly off your first order. Depending on trial results within your business and a commercial arrangement existing betweenAgTechnix and your company, we are usually able to supply tonnage on an FOB basis within 5 days of the receipt of order and less for smaller orders.

• Question : Is your product readable in field?

  Answer : Yes, provided you can locate the outer husk/coating on the seed and the seed has been coated by IntelliSeed™, you will be able to read it.

• Question : Can the reader read through a bag?

  Answer : The IntelliSeed™ system is designed to give seed packaging, inks etc the highest level of authenticity. The system is designed so as not to read through bags to prevent conflicts where an identifier is used in combination with packaging and the seed coating material.

• Question : So you can mark my packaging?

  Answer : Yes. Inks, polymers, stitching, logo’s and even extruded receptacles or bag materials can have an identifier.

• Question : Do you require different readers to identify inks, stitching, logos etc?

  Answer : No. The reader is the same.

• Question : Are components of the system available separately?

  Answer : IntelliSeed™ components would only be supplied where they are a stand-alone IP protection system in their own right. You don’t have to buy all components if you require a simplified track and trace capability.