Certified seed has been grown according to AOSCA Standards to maintain genetic purity. A seed certifying agency works closely with seed growers to help them follow AOSCA Standards throughout the seed production process. AOSCA Standards apply to hemp and a wide range of field crops, turf grasses, fruits, vegetables, woody plants, forbs and vegetative propagated species available for sale. Seed lots that successfully complete the seed certification process qualify for the official “Blue” Certified seed tag, providing assurance to the seed customer that the seed has met standards for genetic and varietal purity.
There is one other important point to remember about Certified seed and the assurance it provides…..every seed lot must be produced according to AOSCA Standards in order to earn the Certified seed tag or label. Seed certification is not a one-and-done process. Before planting each season, the seed grower submits an application to their local seed certifying agency that includes proof they will be planting pure seed of a recognized variety. The agency inspects the field during the growing season to confirm that the plants are uniform and true to type for that variety, and the seed grower uses good management practices to ensure that varietal purity is maintained from planting all the way to seed conditioning and packaging.