The OECD Seed Scheme
Many countries have a mandate that all seed sold must be certified. The European Union members, for example, have obligatory seed certification. In the U S., Seed Certification is generally an optional, voluntary program.
To facilitate the global movement of seed, many countries are members or participants in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes. Specifically, the rules are called "The OECD Scheme for the Movement of Seed in International Trade." The schemes are governed by the OECD office in Paris, France. Only central governments are members of OECD. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service represents the U.S. government in matters concerning OECD certification in the United States.
All U.S. seed certification agencies wishing to certify seed under OECD programs must be recognized by the USDA-AMS and sign a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Our association has such an agreement and much experience in certifying seed under the OECD Schemes and can readily assist those who need to certify under this international system.
To download the form necessary to add a cultivar to the OECD Approved List click on this link.
The USDA AMS Program Manager for the U.S. OECD program is:
Perry Bohn, Seed Marketing
Specialist
Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA
801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C
Gastonia, NC 28054-2193
Ph: 704-810-7262 Fax: 704-852-4189
Email: Perry.Bohn@usda.gov