Release No.: 155-13

Contact:

Nadine Wilkins (202) 720-8998

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced that Faulk Brothers Farm, Dublin, Ga., has paid $1,050 to settle alleged violations of the Federal Seed Act.

This settlement resolves one case that involved a shipment of sericea lespedeza seed to North Carolina. The seed was subsequently reshipped into Georgia. The alleged violations were as follows:

-false labeling as to the percentage of weed seed;

-false labeling as to germination and hard seed percentages;

-failure to include, in the labeling, the complete name and address of the interstate shipper, or in lieu thereof, the name and address of the consignee together with a code designation issued by this Department identifying the interstate shipper; and

-failure to keep or supply records of the seed, as required by the Federal Seed Act.

The company settled the case in agreement with AMS officials. The company neither admitted nor denied the charges brought against them.

The Federal Seed Act regulates the interstate shipment of agricultural and vegetable seeds to ensure that seed shipped in interstate commerce is truthfully labeled, and that advertisements about the seed are truthful. This allows seed buyers to make informed choices and promotes fair competition within the seed trade. AMS administers the Federal Seed Act by leveraging its resources with State departments of agriculture. These investigations were a result of joint efforts with seed regulatory officials in Georgia. By working collaboratively with State partners, the Federal Seed Act also helps promote uniformity among State laws and fair competition within the seed trade.