Seed

The seed inspection program is essential to both the agriculture industry as well as to the general public. The Kansas Seed Law is considered necessary so that farmers and consumers are assured that the seed labeled is what they are purchasing. Important labeling information like germination and purity guarantees help farmers decide how to plant the seed to determine crop yield. If seed does not meet or exceed the guarantees, the farmer may experience less than expected crop yields and suffer economically. Poor yields may ultimately raise the price of food for consumers. Other agricultural seed such as grass seed must also comply with the same requirements so consumers can sow accordingly.

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Seed Inspections

The ACAP program inspects businesses that sell agricultural seed which may include supermarkets, retail outlets, wholesale seed businesses and seed dealers. ACAP inspectors sample various kinds of agricultural seed which is then analyzed for purity, inert matter, restricted and noxious weed seed, germination, etc. Seed labels are also inspected to verify all labeling requirements such as germination test dates and caution statements for treated seed. Seed that is found to be out of tolerance or mislabeled will be issued a stop sale order until the seed is in compliance with the Kansas seed law.

The Kansas Seed Law specifically states the requirements all businesses and individuals must follow in order to sell agricultural seed. Definitions, labeling and registration requirements, unlawful acts, and other requirements are stated in the law to assist businesses and individuals in achieving compliance.

The ACAP program also enforces the Federal Seed Act. Seed sold interstate commerce must comply with the Federal Seed Act which is enforced by United States Department of Agriculture. Title V states no individual may sell a protected variety of seed without the permission of the owner of the protected variety. If an individual is found selling a PVP variety without the permission of the owner, the individual is in violation of both state and federal laws.

For questions concerning all aspects of seed inspection and the Kansas seed law contact the ACAP office at 785-564-6700.

To search if a variety of seed is protected, log on to USDA Science and Laboratories.

For more information concerning PVPA and protected varieties, contact the Kansas Crop Improvement Association at 785-532-6118 or Kscrop@kansas.net.
Seed Licenses

Kansas requires all individuals and businesses who sell agricultural seed to register with the state and to obtain an annual seed license.

A retail business is one that sells to the end user, and it must have a $10 retail license. A wholesale business does not sell to the end user, and it must have a $175 wholesale license. If a business is both a retailer and a wholesaler, a $185 fee must be paid for licensing.

Each retail and wholesale seed business must complete an application for seed registration annually to comply with the Kansas seed law. The license expires August 31 of each year, and must be renewed by September 1 each year.

All seed conditioners are required to register with the state every two years. The registration does not require a fee. All registered conditioners who choose not to condition seed must notify the Agricultural Commodities Assurance Program office within 30 days of ceasing business.

Seed license application

Kansas Department of Agriculture

Seed

ACAP Seed

Seed Inspections

Seed Licenses