MCIA requires that seed being sold in tote containers must be labeled with a certification tag. A bulk certificate should not be used when distributing seed in tote containers. Any seed class may be sold in tote containers using a certification tag as proof of certification.
In cases where tote containers are unloaded into the buyer’s vehicle, the tags must be provided to the buyer.
Submit Sampling Reports with Test Samples
Remember to submit a completed Sampling Report with every sample submitted for testing—this includes preliminary germs and germ updates, retesting, etc. Also, be sure to include any other documentation required to complete certification, such as Dome and Anthracnose results for field beans, Diaporthe and Pseudomonas results for OECD/EC soybeans, or molecular testing results when applicable for corn.
When Interagency Certification applies, include a completed and signed Certificate of Transfer for Seed Certification or proof of final certification (label or bulk cert). This will prevent delays in processing your samples.
The MCIA Seed Certification Handbook has been updated to indicate that the maximum size limit for small grain and soybean seed sold in bags or totes was increased from 2,500 to 5,000 bushels.
MCIA and MDA personnel meet with staff members of Western Integrated Seed at Western’s operation in Cokato, Minnesota.
BY Fawad Shah, President/CEO
The Minnesota Crop Improvement Association plays a key role in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability across the state of Minnesota. A cornerstone of this work is MCIA’s partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Seed and Biotechnology Unit. This collaboration aims to ensure the availability of high-quality seed through seed certification; the use of high-quality seed is encouraged through educational and promotional activities.
MDA’s Seed and Biotechnology Unit is integral to maintaining and enhancing the quality of seed sold in Minnesota. By working closely with MCIA, MDA helps facilitate a comprehensive framework for seed certification, which guarantees that farmers have access to reliable, disease-free, and genetically diverse seeds. This is crucial not only for crop yield but also for the long-term health of Minnesota agriculture.
MCIA recently hosted a group of officials from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, including seed inspectors and seed lab staff, at Western Integrated Seed’s operation in Cokato. MCIA’s staff distributed educational materials and delivered talks regarding seed certification, seed testing, and foundation seed. This presentation was followed by an informal roundtable discussion to explore and explain various scenarios that can and do occur in the seed industry, and to answer questions about Plant Variety Protection (PVP) and species tested in our seed lab.
One of the chief results of this organizational collaboration is the development of new educational programs and resources that foster cooperation and information sharing in the seed space. Another significant outcome of MCIA-MDA collaboration is to strengthen the commitment to regulatory compliance and seed quality assurance. MDA’s regulatory framework, combined with MCIA’s certification processes, ensures that seed varieties distributed within the state meet stringent quality standards. This joint effort helps to maintain Minnesota’s reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation and productivity. By ensuring high-quality seed availability and enhancing educational outreach, this partnership not only benefits farmers but also contributes to the overall vitality of the state’s agricultural sector.
Effective July 1, 2022, the University of Minnesota’s VDF (Variety Development Fund) fee, which supports the UMN’s variety research and development program, will increase to $0.75 per bushel for all registered and certified seed sold of wheat varieties (both old and new) released by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.
This means that all seed of these varieties sold before July 1, 2022, will be assessed at the old fee rate, and all seed sold on or after that date will be assessed at the new $0.75 per bushel rate.
Here is a list of affected varieties:
Bolles
Lang-MN
Linkert
MN-Rothsay
MN-Torgy
MN-Washburn
RB07
Rollag
Sabin
Shelly
You will find fee schedules for all of MCIA’s services and programs posted on the Client Resources page of this website. Please contact President/CEO Fawad Shah or Foundation Seed Services Manager Roger Wippler if you have questions.
The PVP (Plant Variety Protection) certificate for Lacey barley will expire after June 10, 2022. However, according to the USDA PVP office, growers who plant Lacey barley this spring, before the expiration date, must produce and sell it as certified seed.
Note that after PVP expires, growers selling the seed must still identify it by the variety name ‘Lacey.’
Each year, there are some growers from whom we do not initially receive all the information necessary to complete field inspection. In those cases, we need to do follow-up work. So, as the planting season begins, we remind field inspection clients to keep accurate records and:
Save your proof of seed source (tags or bulk certificates).
Maintain proper isolation between varieties and other crops.
New varieties—we need a variety description to complete inspections and pass fields; you will find the forms you need online or contact the MCIA office for assistance.
Your MCIA field supervisor or the MCIA Office staff can answer any questions you may have about the field inspection process.
Field Inspection Application Deadlines
Please note these dates to avoid late fees:
June 7: Small grains, corn, and sunflowers
June 7 or 3 weeks after planting (whichever is first): Soybean post-spray inspections
June 7: Soybean bloom inspections
July 15: Soybeans (pre-harvest inspection only)
Year of seeding: Perennials
4 weeks prior to cutting: Noxious weed seed–free forage and mulch
Within 18 months of the year established for native grasses and forbs
We will mail information packets for Field Inspection Applications in May. Application forms and instructions are also available on the Client Resources page of the MCIA website.
The MCIA Directory includes a listing of certified and registered carryover seed.
The 2022 MCIA Directory will include a listing of carryover seed. Growers: If you have seed you want to list, please submit the Directory Carryover Seed Inclusion form that was included in your field inspection information packet.
You may also access the Directory Carryover Seed Inclusion form from the Client Resources page of the MCIA website, here.
Or simply send MCIA the following information about your carryover seed: crop variety, your name, address, and telephone number.
Various weather conditions, such as frost, drought, or excessive rains may affect seed production locally and regionally. MCIA members still have some options to help manage their seed inventory. Growers who need to add certified seed acres may apply for field inspection at any time prior to harvest or within the inspection window. Late fees will be charged for late applications.
Growers may also carryover all certified seed classes; this includes conditioned and unconditioned seed. For conditioned seed that has previously been tested, a new germination test would be needed next winter. For unconditioned carryover seed, standard testing would be needed after conditioning has been completed. Growers with carryover seed inventory may also submit their information to MCIA so the seed can be listed in the 2022 MCIA Directory.
If you anticipate having excess seed inventory, it may be worthwhile to contact potential customers or approved seed facilities outside your traditional customer area and into neighboring states.
If you have any questions, contact your MCIA field supervisor. We will gladly work with you to help address your needs.
June 7or 3 weeks after planting (whichever is first): Soybean post-spray inspections
June 7: Soybean bloom inspections
July 15: Soybeans (pre-harvest inspection only)
Year of seeding: Perennials
4 weeks prior to each cutting for noxious weed seed–free forage and mulch
Within 18 months of the year established for native grasses and forbs
Information packets for Field Inspection Applications will be mailed to enrolled MCIA members in May. Application forms and instructions are also available on the Client Resources page of the MCIA website. If you have any questions, please contact your field supervisor. (Field supervisor contact information is listed on the Staff page of the MCIA website.)
Fee schedules will be included in the field inspection application mailings sent to MCIA members. Current fee schedules specific to each program are also available on the Client Resources page of the MCIA website.
