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The Seed Regulatory and Testing Division enforces interstate commerce provisions of the Federal Seed Act (FSA) and provides seed testing service under the Agricultural Marketing Act.
Federal Seed Act
- The Federal Seed Act regulates the interstate shipment of agricultural and vegetable seeds.
- The FSA requires that seed shipped in interstate commerce be labeled with information that allows seed buyers to make informed choices.
- Seed labeling information and advertisements pertaining to the seed must be truthful.
- The FSA helps promote uniformity among State laws and fair competition within the seed trade.
Complaints Under the Federal Seed Act
Complaints involving mislabeled seed are submitted to the Division for investigation. Most complaints are submitted by State seed control officials through existing cooperative agreements. They may be submitted by anyone.
Regulatory action is taken against the interstate shipper, when the violation is confirmed.
State inspectors routinely inspect and sample seed shipments being marketed in their States.
Information on interstate shipments found to be mislabeled may be submitted to the Seed Regulatory and Testing Division for action, such as:
- letter of warning for minor violations and technical violations
- monetary penalty for serious violations
Seed Regulatory and Testing Division
LPS, AMS, U.S. Department of Agriculture
801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C
Gastonia, North Carolina 28054-2193
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