AMS Amends Regulations on Seed Labeling, Testing and Certification

The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending seed labeling, testing and certification requirements in its Federal Seed Act regulations, it said in a final rule. Revisions to the regulations, which cover interstate commerce in seeds, “add certain seed species to the lists of covered kinds of seed and update the lists to reflect current scientific nomenclature; update regulations related to seed quality, germination and purity standards, and acceptable seed testing methods; and update seed certification and recertification requirements, including new eligibility standards and the recognition of current breeding techniques,” AMS said. “This rule aligns FSA regulations with current industry practices, harmonizes FSA testing methods with industry standards, and clarifies confusing or contradictory language in the existing regulations,” it said. The final rule takes effect Aug. 6.