Regulations for Cover Crop Seed Sales - UNL CropWatch, Oct. 3, 2013
Oct. 3, 2013
Farmers across Nebraska are experimenting with cover crops. Occasionally, when the field performs well, they may decide to harvest the rye, oats, field peas, or other cover crop for seed. Before selling any of this seed to neighbors, growers need to be sure they comply with Nebraska seed law and Plant Variety Protection or patent rights.
All seed offered for sale needs to have a current germination and purity test from a certified seed lab. The seller also must have a State of Nebraska seed sales permit. In Nebraska the State Seed Laboratory and the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association are combined.
Farmers wanting to sell seed can find information and an application form for a sales permit on the Nebraska Department of Agriculture website in the Seed section of the Laboratory page. It includes the following information:
Application for Permit to Sell Agricultural, Vegetable and/or Flower (Wildflower) Seeds
Nebraska Seed Law and Related Statues
Service Test Information Sheet
Some seed varieties are patented by the company who developed them or purchased the rights to the genetics. In some cases the variety carries Plant Variety Protection which can only be sold as a class of certified seed. In this case the farmer would have to join the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association or obtain legal right to sell the seed.
Seed laws are in place to protect both the buyer and the seller. They ensure quality in the marketplace and protect against the spread of noxious weeds. It is important that all persons offering seed for sale comply.
Paul Hay
Extension Educator
Online Master of Science in Agronomy
With a focus on industry applications and research, the online program is designed with maximum flexibility for today's working professionals.