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 take samples of various kinds of agricultural seed and it is 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 seed must be destroyed or given away if it does not meet the requirements.
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. To search if a variety of seed is protected, log on to http://www.ams.usda.gov/science/PVPO/CertificatesDB.htm. For more information concerning PVPA and protected varieties, contact the Kansas Crop Improvement Association at 785-532-6118. To report a violation, a complaint form can be completed and sent to the ACAP office.