Seed

Seed Program

The goal of the seed program is to ensure that seed offered in Michigan to growers of agricultural crops, landscapers, and private homeowners meets quality standards that have been established by the Michigan Seed Law.

The Michigan Seed Law has established standards for minimum germination levels, the level of purity of each seed component claimed on the label and the levels of impurities (other kinds of seed, weeds, and inert matter). It also requires that seed be free from those noxious weeds that have been identified as particularly harmful to other crops and the environment of our state. In addition to monitoring seed labeler and dealer compliance with Michigan's established standards, the seed program has oversight over the certification process that ensures that the quality and genetic purity of certain plant varieties is maintained. Under Michigan's seed program, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) also cooperates with the United States Department of Agriculture in its efforts to assure compliance with the Federal Seed Act and the Plant Variety Protection Act.

MDARD accomplishes the objectives of the seed program through routine sampling and testing of commercially available seed to ensure that all standards and requirements of state and federal seed laws are being met. Seed that does not meet labels guarantees or minimum quality standards is subject to removal from distribution and sale.