Amendments to Regulations Under the Federal Seed Act

Résumé

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to revise the Federal Seed Act (FSA) regulations. The changes would designate seeds of species listed in the Federal Noxious Weed Act (FNWA) as noxious and prohibit the shipment of agricultural and vegetable seeds containing them, add two kinds to the list of those subject to the FSA, update the seed testing regulations, update the seed certification regulations, and correct several minor errors. The noxious-weed seeds are being added to help prevent the spread of these highly destructive weeds. Adding two kinds, creeping foxtail and flatpea, make them subject to the same truthful labeling requirements as other seeds moving in interstate commerce. Updating the seed testing and seed certification regulations would incorporate the latest in seed testing and seed certification knowledge and prevent potential conflicts with State regulations.