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Seed
The goal of the seed program is to ensure that seed offered in Michigan to growers of agricultural crops, landscapers, and private homeowners meets quality standards that have been established by the Michigan Seed Law.
The Michigan Seed Law has established standards for minimum germination levels, the level of purity of each seed component claimed on the label and the levels of impurities (other kinds of seed, weeds, and inert matter). It also requires that seed be free from those noxious weeds that have been identified as particularly harmful to other crops and the environment of our state. In addition to monitoring seed labeler and dealer compliance with Michigan's established standards, the seed program has oversight over the certification process that ensures that the quality and genetic purity of certain plant varieties is maintained. Under Michigan's seed program, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) also cooperates with the United States Department of Agriculture in its efforts to assure compliance with the Federal Seed Act and the Plant Variety Protection Act.
MDARD accomplishes the objectives of the seed program through routine sampling and testing of commercially available seed to ensure that all standards and requirements of state and federal seed laws are being met. Seed that does not meet labels guarantees or minimum quality standards is subject to removal from distribution and sale.
Contact:
Seed Laws & Regulations
Seed Sample Summary Fiscal Year 2001-2007
MICHIGAN SEED LAW, ACT NO. 329, P.A. of 1965, as amended
Regulation No. 715 - Seed Law Implementation
CERTIFICATION OF SEED - ACT NO. 221, P.A. of 1959, as amended
Regulation No. 623 - Field Seed Certification
Regulation No. 628 - Seed Potato Certification
Seed Licensing, Registration, and Other FAQ's
Seed Licensing, Registration, and Other Frequently Asked Questions
Prohibited and Restricted Noxious Weed Seeds
Michigan Noxious Weed Seed-Free Forage and Mulch Certification Program
Seed Labeling Requirements for Producer-Dealers
Agricultural Seed - Labeling Requirements
Flower Seed Labeling Requirements (Flower Seed Labeling Fact Sheet)
Facts About: Naming and Labeling Varieties of Seed, Including Labeling Requirements
Vegetable Seed Labeling Requirements (Fact Sheet)
What's In a Name? Varieties & Brands - Understanding the Seed Label Brochure
Testing Requirements for Seed Producer-Dealers
Compliance Monitoring - Inspection and Testing Requirements
Seed Exports/Phytosanitary Certification - Inspection and Testing Requirements
Michigan Seed Certification and Designated Certifying Agencies - Inspection and Testing Requirements
Seed Testing Services
Dry Bean Seed Sample Analysis Request Form
Field Bean Inspection and Testing RequirementsLinks of Interest
AgBioResearch - Michigan State University
Michigan State University Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (MSU/CSS)
Michigan State University Extension (MSUE)
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)