April 1, 2020
We wrote to you recently about SGS’s initial responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now writing to you to provide assurance that, as the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, we are implementing further proactive measures to ensure your interests are protected and your business needs are met.
The SGS Group continues to closely follow the COVID-19 situation as it develops around the world. Our priority remains the safety of our employees, customers, their families and communities.
It is clear COVID-19 is developing at different rates in different countries. As a global organization, we are proactively working to ensure that the correct measures are in place for each territory to ensure all potential health and business risks are minimized.
We are committed to supporting our customers and their businesses at this time and so we thought you might like to know about some of the ways in which SGS’s Seed & Crop Service is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Field Trials
Operating a global-wide network of field trial stations across multiple countries provides flexibility to our service, allowing us to continue operations within full compliance of local government requirements during the pandemic.
SGS has implemented a variety of responses to enable our facilities to operate safely. At this time, there are no limitations regarding our ability to place and conduct field trials.
As we understand it, there are currently travel restrictions that may impede our customers’ ability to physically inspect the field trials they have placed with SGS. The SGS field trial team is therefore proposing some alternative measures to help you monitor your field trials.
- SGS Drone Solutions
Our drone fleet operates across multiple territories and can be used to demonstrate the proper implementation of your field trials
- SGS Additional Documentation Solutions
Our technicians will visit a field trial, taking pictures and videos and providing responses to any specific requests made by the customer
- SGS Self Inspections Solutions
Using QiiQ remote inspection technology, you can monitor field trials remotely while interacting with an SGS field expert using a camera system connected to a tablet or mobile phone.
Laboratory Operations
Risk mitigation strategies have been implemented at all laboratories to protect our staff, clients, visitors and their families. This includes the introduction of specific hygiene conditions for samples entering laboratories, split work shifts, and the prioritization of digital communication methods to minimize direct contact. Access to our facilities during this period has also be restricted, with visitors and client’s visits being declined when possible.
Precision Agriculture
Our laboratories are ready to support you during the new growing season. For extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down, our precision gateway platform is available, in some territories, providing you with online access to an agronomist.
Visit precisionagriculture.sgs.com to learn more.
SGS Group has introduced several measures across its global network to ensure services continue safely during this time. All employees have received training in COVID-19 awareness. This covers the identification and symptoms of COVID-19, preventative measures (both personal and facility based), and actions to be taken in the event of an employee being found to be positive, or suspected of being positive, with COVID-19. In addition, our global procurement team is working closely with suppliers around the world to ensure our network has the materials it needs to operate effectively.
These swift responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have enabled us to ensure the safety of all stakeholders, while ensuring the continuity of high-quality services for our clients.
All responses are being developed in line with the spread of the disease and are based on WHO (World Health Organization) country-specific guidance.
Contact us for more information.
SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 94,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.
Topics
Species
