Amendments to Regulations Under the Federal Seed Act

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the Federal Seed Act (FSA) regulations. The rule designates seeds of species listed in the Federal Noxious Weed Act (FNWA), except for the Cuscuta species as, noxious and prohibits the shipment of agricultural and vegetable seeds containing them, adds two kinds to the list of those subject to the FSA, updates the seed testing regulations, updates the seed certification regulations, and corrects 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 incorporates the latest in seed testing and seed certification knowledge and prevents potential conflicts with State regulations.