Planting high quality seed is the first step towards maximum crop quality. The Seed Program of the Division of Regulatory Services is committed to helping producers and growers achieve this goal through two separate yet complimentary programs - seed regulation and seed testing.
The regulatory program protects the industry and consumers through inspection and analysis of seed products in the marketplace. The Kentucky Seed Law requires labeling of seed lots according to pure seed, inert matter, weed and other crop seed as well as the presence and number of any noxious weeds. Germination percentage and date tested are also required by law. The seed program ensures compliance with the law by inspecting facilities and sampling seed offered for sale throughout the state. Laboratory analyses of official samples are compared to label guarantees to verify that the label is accurate and that seed quality meets a minimum standard. Seed lots not in compliance are restricted from sale until the violation is corrected.
The service testing program operates the only seed service testing facility in the state. The lab is an Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) member laboratory and conducts analyses for seed producers, researchers, farmers and gardeners to determine the quality of seed. Anyone interested in knowing the quality of seed they intend to sell or have purchased can benefit from our services. Having your seed tested at our laboratory or another qualified AOSA or Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST) seed testing laboratory will provide information to help determine the quality of your seed.
Link to 2008 AOSA Bromus referee.