Seed Certification

The use of the word “seed” throughout this publication shall be interpreted to include plant parts for vegetatively propagated crops. Seed certification is a program which involves the verification of varietal identity and purity based upon the description provided by the plant breeder.  It further involves the use of seed production and conditioning standards in combination with a system of record keeping, field inspections and seed analysis.  Seed certification documents the product developed by the plant breeder’s research.  Certified seed, therefore, is generally recognized as seed of known genetic identity and quality verified by and traceable through the periodic inspection and records of an impartial and officially recognized agency.

The Oklahoma Crop Improvement Association is a member of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA).  All standards in this publication meet or exceed those of the Federal Seed Act Regulations.

The General Certification Standards contained in this publication are based and apply to all crop commodity standards.  These standards may be amplified to apply to a specific crop.