Home

Programs

Publications

Calendar

About Us

Approved Facilities

Forage and Mulch

Foundation Seed

IP Grain

Native Grasses & Forbs

Organic Certification

Quality Assurance

Roundup Ready

Seed Certification

Technology Marketing Services (U of MN variety licensing)

Foundation Seed

QUICK LINKS

Members of each county seed distribution committee are elected by members of that county's Crop Improvement Association. This committee nominates growers to receive seed allotments of new varieties, subject to approval by MCIA. Members of MASCMA may receive allotments both from their association and from the county if the county seed distribution committee approves. Each grower or company accepted for an allotment must sign a memorandum of agreement with MCIA. This memorandum specifies production requirements, including an obligation to certify the seed crop produced. Growers who violate the memorandum of agreement are subject to removal from the approved or registered grower classification.

The Extension Educator - Agriculture (or designee) should provide leadership in organizing the County Seed Distribution Committee. This is especially important in counties without an active county crop improvement association. The Extension Educator - Agriculture may serve as a non-voting member and may serve as chairman or secretary. It is suggested that the committee consist of 3 to 5 members, including representation of approved plant operators. Ideally, the committee should be selected by the county crop improvement association. As an alternative, the directors of the county crop improvement association may serve. If there is no county crop improvement association, the Extension Educator - Agriculture should call a meeting of interested seed growers to select a committee.

Suggested Guidelines for County Committees

1. All eligible growers in the county should be informed of the new varieties available and be allowed to make their request for allotment to the County Seed Distribution Committee.

2. Preference should be given to the best qualified producers of a given crop.

3. Growers who have a stable record of certified seed production should receive priority over those who are only interested in new varieties.

4. Seed growers who follow orderly marketing and pricing of seed should be given preference over those who follow policies injurious to other members of the association and other segments of the seed industry.

5. New or inexperienced growers should be encouraged by allotment of new varieties as soon as they have demonstrated their abilities to produce and market certified seed.

6. Consideration should be given to those growers who are members of the county crop improvement association and who contribute to the activities of the group.

7. The county committees may want to give consideration to the fact that some growers are allotted seed through the Approved Seed Conditioners Association.

8. Counties are under no obligation to accept allotments. If allotments are not taken, it will not affect eligibility for future allotments

back to top

©2005 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association. All rights reserved.
Photos are courtesy of U of MN Agricultural Experiment Station and USDA NRCS.
This page was last updated on April 26, 2005 11:11 AM .