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Agronomic Field Crop Seed Certification

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Introduction

The purpose of seed certification is to preserve the genetic identity and purity of field crop seed varieties. In the ordinary distribution of commercial seed, the buyer must accept the information on the label as to variety and source. In contrast, the variety and origin of certified seed has been verified by the certification agency and can be traced back to the producer through the information on the label. Field inspection of the growing crop, sampling, laboratory analysis and proper labeling of seed produced by careful, conscientious growers are requirements for certification. Seed certification procedures provide the best possible assurance of good quality seed of known purity and heredity.

Seed certification is a limited generation system based on three seed classes:

  1. Foundation seed - the progeny of Breeder or Foundation seed handled to maintain specific genetic purity and identity
  2. Registered seed - the progeny of Breeder or Foundation seed handled to maintain satisfactory genetic purity and identity
  3. Certified seed - the progeny of Breeder, Foundation or Registered seed handled to maintain satisfactory genetic purity and identity

Requirements for producing certified seed include:

  • Providing proof of planting eligible seed stock
  • Fields must be inspected to determine whether the field is in compliance with standards for varietal identity and purity, isolation, and freedom from weeds and other crop species
  • Representative samples from conditioned seedlots must be tested for germination and purity to determine compliance with seed standards. Specific standards have been developed for each crop kind
  • Certification labels or bulk sales certificates are issued for eligible seedlots

Please contact to obtain information on how to participate in this program. A directory of producers of certified seed is also available.

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Photos are courtesy of U of MN Agricultural Experiment Station and USDA NRCS.
This page was last updated on March 24, 2009 3:34 PM .