Seed Regulatory and Testing
 
Seed Grader Accreditation Program in the United States  
This is a voluntary program through which individuals who meet all requirements will be accredited to assign a Canada pedigreed grade name to seed in the United States for marketing in Canada. The purpose is to improve the efficiency of the seed trade between the United States and Canada. The Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture administers the program.

 
On December 19, 2007, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by representatives of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service which formally initiated the program.

 

 
Seed Grading Documents: (available from Program Administrator)

 
  • Sampler Declaration
  • Standardized Format for Reporting Seed Test Results
  • Checklist for Report of Analysis
  • Seed Grading Report

 
Registration Information

 
Individuals who wish to become accredited seed graders may contact by mail or email the following: Fawad S. Shah, at the address given below.

 
This initial communication need only express an interest in becoming a seed grader.

 
Registration information will subsequently be provided.

 
Dates of training workshops and examinations will be posted on this and other websites at least 30 days prior to their occurrence.

 
Presently scheduled dates and locations:

 
To Be Determined

 
For more information about the program, please contact:

 
Fawad S. Shah, Ph.D.
Director
Seed Regulatory and Testing Division
801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C
Gastonia, NC 28054
Direct: 704-810-8884
Cell: 704-745-7424
Main: 704-810-8871
Fax: 704-852-4109

 
Resources
 
  Guideline for Seed Grader Accreditation in the United States - PDF File  
 
  Applicants Guide to the Seed Grader Accreditation Program in the United States - PDF File  
 
  Instructions for Assigning A Canada Pedigreed Grade Name to Seed for Marketing in Canada - PDF File  
 
  Official Listing of Accredited Seed Graders - PDF File  
 
Canadian Reference Links
 
  Seeds Regulations  
 
  Weed Seeds Order  
 
  List of Varieties Registered in Canada  
 
  Canadian Methods and Procedures for Testing Seed  
 
Contact Us
 
  Contact the Seed Division  
 
  Return to Main Seed Page  
 
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  Last Modified Date: 05/16/2014